Train operators call on Aslef leadership to get round the table

Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, Steve Montgomery, has today issued an open invitation to the leadership of the train drivers’ union Aslef to meet with him to hold meaningful talks to resolve the industrial dispute which, tomorrow, will bring half of the rail network to a standstill.

Steve Montgomery, Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“I am ready and willing to talk to the leadership of Aslef today, tomorrow or indeed anytime next week; they should call off tomorrow’s action and talk to us instead. What our passengers and our staff expect is for us to talk and work out a way through this.

“We know our people are feeling the pinch and we want to give them a pay rise, but that is only affordable through reforms to deliver a better, safer, and more efficient railway for customers and taxpayers by updating outdated and inflexible working practices, which have seen costs spiral.

“Aslef has instructed its members to strike tomorrow (30 July) affecting millions of people and causing disruption at the Commonwealth Games, at a time of what should be national celebration. Saturday is also the start of the English Football League season, with games affected across the country.

“Aslef has also announced further action on 13 August, with nine train operators affected, which will come shortly before two further days of action by the RMT and TSSA on the 18 and 20 of August."