Rail Passengers Face Further Disruption as Train Drivers' Strike is Extended

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) announced that the strike would be mirrored later in the month, coinciding with separate strike action scheduled by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).

The action is a result of a refusal to work overtime for six days this week and is expected to intensify the disruption to rail journeys.

The strike will affect 17-22 July and is expected to impact visitors to the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament and the fourth Ashes test, as well as the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

No negotiations have taken place between the union and rail operators since the action was announced on 19 June.

The article discusses a dispute between train operating companies and the train drivers' union ASLEF.

The union claims that train drivers are not being paid fairly during a cost of living crisis, and that their terms and conditions are being taken away.

The train operating companies and the government have been accused of wanting to continue the industrial strife.

The government has said that it is helping to facilitate discussions, but has also stated that it is important to keep inflation down and control public spending.

The average train driver salary is around £60,000, and the union has rejected a fair and affordable offer that would have taken the average driver base salaries for a basic salary for a four-day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.

Train companies will work to minimize the impact of the overtime ban, and customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.