Rail strike on Saturday 26 November

Train drivers who are members of ASLEF – the train drivers’ union – will walk out at 12 train operating companies – including Northern – on Saturday 26 November in a dispute over pay.

ASLEF negotiators have been engaged in talks with the industry but there has, so far, been no offer on pay.

Mick Whelan, general secretary, commented: “We regret that passengers will be inconvenienced for another day. We don’t want to be taking this action. Withdrawing our labour is always a last resort for a trade union.

“We have come to the table, as we always will, in good faith but while the industry continues to make no offer – due to the dodgy deal they signed with the DfT – we have no choice but to take strike action again.

“They want drivers to take a real terms pay cut. With inflation now well into double figures, train drivers who kept Britain moving through the pandemic are now being expected to work just as hard this year as last year but for less. Most of these drivers have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

“We want the companies – which are making huge profits – to make a proper pay offer so that our members can keep up with the cost of living.”

ASLEF members at 12 companies – Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; East Midlands Railway; Great Western Railway; Greater Anglia; London North Eastern Railway; London Overground; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Transpennine Express, and West Midlands Trains – will strike on 26 November.

Northern has issued 'do not travel' advice, noting: "As a result of ASLEF strike action, Northern will not operate any trains on Saturday 26 November customers are advised not to travel on this day as there will be major disruption across the whole rail network.

"On strike days, only travel by rail if necessary and if you do travel, expect severe disruption and plan ahead - especially the first and last trains of the day.

"If you do decide to travel, there will be very limited services running across the whole rail network so remember to check your entire journey as other train service providers may be affected.

"There will be no rail replacement buses on strike days for Northern services and some Northern stations may be closed or have reduced hours due to the limited staffing and services.

"Advanced tickets have been withdrawn from sale for strike days.

"Please continue to check services before you travel on Friday 25 and Sunday 27 November as a handful of services have also been affected.

"National Rail journey planners are updated for travel during the strike weekend."

Updates and further information can be found here.