It’s been over two years since the rail workers first started striking and London was blissfully free from disruption on train and tube services. But industrial action isn’t going away anytime soon – until issues around pay, working conditions and job security can be resolved between unions and rail companies, walk outs are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
For now, however, London (and the wider UK) is getting a reprieve from industrial action. Following ASLEF strikes in May, no further strikes have been announced by rail unions. Enjoy this moment while it lasts!
And an end to long-running disputes could now be in sight. Next week (July 23) the government and ASLEF are apparently returning to the negotiating table to end the union’s strike action.
In other bright news, we’re also currently seeing respite from RMT workers striking on non-TfL services, as before Christmas the union’s members voted to pause strikes for now. Potential strikes on the Eurostar during the Paris Olympics have also been avoided, due to a pay offer to RMT workers.
Here’s everything you need to know about planned industrial action on London’s train network.
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All you need to know about the train strikes across the UK.
When are the next London train strikes?
There are currently no further train strikes planned for London.
The last ASLEF train strike took place on May 7-9.
Which London train lines will be affected?
Nationwide ASLEF strikes typically affect 16 train companies, some of which operate services in and out of London. These are all the lines that will be affected:
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- LNER
- TransPennine Express
- C2C
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
- Southeastern
- South Western Railway
- Chiltern Railways
- Northern Trains
- West Midlands Railway
When are the tube strikes?
There are no more strikes planned for the tube, following the TSSA customer service strikes on April 26.
How long will the London train strikes last?
A typical strike day tends to last for an entire 24-hour period. However, there could also be disruption on the day following a strike.
When it comes to other train lines, each operator is different. Check your respective rail operator’s official website to find out exactly how many trains will be running and how long the action is expected to impact services.
Is the London Overground on strike?
Strikes on the Overground (which was recently renamed and re-coloured) in February were suspended. No more action is planned.
Will the Elizabeth line be on strike?
There are no strikes currently planned for Elizabeth line services.
Will strikes affect the Eurostar?
Eurostar is not expected to be affected by any strike dates. Find the latest details on the Eurostar website.
Why are UK train workers striking?
The ASLEF union is striking to protest a below-inflation pay increase. Drivers on some operators have now gone five years without a pay increase.
ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it has now been a year since we had any contact from the Department for Transport. It’s clear they do not want to resolve this dispute.
‘Many of our members have now not had a single penny increase to their pay in half a decade, during which inflation soared and with it the cost of living.
‘The government has now tried their old trick of changing the rules when they can’t win and brought in minimum service levels legislation. But this new law, as we told officials during the consultation period, won’t ease industrial strife. It will likely just make it worse.
‘There’s no excuse. The government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and work together to ensure the future of our railways.’
On the upcoming negotiations, Whelan said: ‘We hope, with a new government in place, that we can have constructive talks to get a positive resolution that works for train drivers, who have not had an increase in salary for five years, since 2019, and will help get our railway back on track.’
How to get to London airports during the train strikes
When trains are both out of action due to strikes, there are other ways to get to London’s airports. Both the tube (Piccadilly line) and other rail lines (like the Elizabeth line) service Heathrow, while coaches frequently run from central and outer London areas from the likes of National Express. They’re also, obvs, all accessible by road – whether you’d like to drive or get a taxi. Expect higher levels of traffic during strike days.
What do the government’s anti-strike laws mean for London?
A bill requiring striking workers to meet ‘minimum service levels’ was passed by the Conservative government last year. The anti-strike legislation supposedly ensures ‘minimum service levels’ on key public services, including trains, making it pretty difficult for things to grind to a complete halt.
The law can theoretically allow bosses in rail, health, fire, ambulance, education and nuclear commissioning to sue unions and even sack employees if minimum services aren’t met during strikes.
However, many people, including current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (back when he was opposition leader), expressed concern that these laws could infringe on workers’ fundamental right to strike.
As for London trains, the legislation could make strike action less severe. With a minimum service, it would be less likely for there to be absolutely no tubes, Overgrounds or trains.
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