I am pleased that RMT members have voted to accept a pay deal, ending their involvement in a long-running series of rail strikes. This marks a significant step towards resolving industrial disputes on the railway and is a path to delivering long overdue reforms.
However, leaders of ASLEF (the train drivers’ union) continue to block their members from voting on an offer taking train drivers’ median salaries from £60,000 to £65,000 for a 35-hour, 4-day week.
ASLEF are now the only rail union who are striking and constituents should be aware of their industrial action taking place between Friday 1st and Sunday 10th December. Different operators are affected on different days and this is coupled with a nationwide ban on overtime.
There will be an amended timetable through this period with fewer services running. There will be no Thameslink services running on Sunday 3rd December and no Southern or Gatwick Express services on Wednesday 6th December (apart from a limited shuttle service between Gatwick and London Victoria).
Constituents are strongly advised to check journey planners before travelling: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Further information on the industrial action, including ticket exchanges and refunds, can be found here: https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action