Weekend LNER train driver strikes called off after union talks

A series of weekend strikes by train drivers for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have been called off after union negotiations.

Members of Aslef were due to walk out on Saturday after the union claimed there had been a breakdown in industrial relations.

More than 20 days of strikes were planned on weekends in the next few months which would have disrupted services.

The dispute is separate to the long-running pay row involving drivers across the country which looks set to be resolved after a new long-term pay offer was made.

Train drivers on LNER were due to be on strike on Saturdays from August 31 to November 9, and Sundays from September 2 to November 10, over a dispute about the breaking of agreements on work practices.

Aslef said strike action is suspended and drivers will report for duty as normal. The development follows meetings between the union and the company.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: “Once again we have demonstrated that by sitting round the table and negotiating, issues on the railway can be resolved in a way that means better workplace practices for rail workers and a better service for the travelling public.

“Aslef will continue to campaign for a fully staffed railway that doesn’t rely on excessive use of driver overtime.

“We continue to operate in good faith and we are pleased to have finally resolved this long-standing issue with LNER of abuse of our agreements. We look forward to normal working resuming.”

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