Train drivers have voted to continue strike action for another six months amid pay row

TRAIN drivers have voted to continue strike action in a row over pay causing travel misery for millions of people.

Aslef held a fresh ballot renewing their mandate for industrial action which could cause chaos over Christmas and New Year.

The union balloted 12,500 of its members who work for 15 train companies for the action.

They have already held 11 days of strikes since last summer.

Mick Whelan said: “Once again our members have decided that we are in this for the long haul.

“Train drivers are sick to the back teeth of their employers and the government failing to negotiate in good faith, and blaming drivers for their inability to manage services and the rail industry effectively.

“Aslef members, the key workers who kept our country moving through the pandemic, are simply asking for a fair deal on pay so that they can afford to keep up with their outgoings in this Government-made cost-of-living crisis.

“We have always said we are prepared to come to the table but the Government and the train companies need to understand that this dispute won’t be resolved by trying to bully our members into accepting worse terms and conditions.”

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said the move was “deeply regrettable” saying it would take average pay from £60,000 to £65,000 for a 35-hour week.