Train strikes: How is the South East affected?
Today marks a day of industrial action by rail staff of the ASLEF Union with passengers being warned not to travel. If you are looking for a day out in the sun, you may be disappointed as train drivers have walked out for 24 hours.
So which services are running today for the residents of Kent?
On the Southeastern network, only 29 stations will be open, with no rail replacement buses put in place.
The limited services that will be running from 06:00 to 20:00 are:
- Orpington to London Charing Cross
- Dartford to London Charing Cross
- Ashford International to London St Pancras International
Southeastern says that we can expect to see a normal running timetable from Wednesday, despite there also being an overtime ban for the remainder of the week.
Why are there still strikes?
Rolling industrial action began in July 2022 and is still happening due to Aslef, the train drivers union, seeking better pay.
Formal talks happened in April 2023 where union members were offered an 8% pay rise over two years, on the condition that drivers accept changes to training and work patterns. This offer was rejected and no talks have happened since.
How much are rail workers paid?
The average annual wage of a train driver according to the Office for National Statistics is around £59,000.
The offer that was rejected in April 2023 would have approximately brought the annual wage up to £65,000.