Train Drivers Initiate Strikes Over Colleague's Dismissal
Aslef members at Hull Trains to strike for two days each week after failing to resolve safety-related dispute.
Train drivers represented by the Aslef union are set to commence a series of strikes starting this Friday, stemming from a dispute regarding the dismissal of a colleague over a safety issue.
Members of Aslef at Hull Trains will walk out for 48 hours, with additional strikes scheduled for the same days until the end of April.
Aslef, which has full membership at Hull Trains, indicated that these strikes will lead to significant disruption along the East Coast main line.
In contrast, Hull Trains has stated that only minor timetable alterations will occur.
The union contends that the sacked driver was dismissed for bringing forward safety concerns.
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, noted that the company’s inaction has repercussions not only for Hull Trains employees but also for the wider rail industry’s safety culture.
He emphasized the importance of allowing railway workers to report safety issues without fear of retribution.
Aslef's north-east England organiser, Nigel Roebuck, commented on the necessity for open dialogue in a forward-thinking industry, advocating that employees should freely express concerns related to work conditions, including issues of fatigue and mental health.
Roebuck expressed discontent over Hull Trains’ assertion of the situation being unique and complicated, indicating that the decision to remove the individual from driving duties was based on a remark made during a safety briefing, which lacked substantial evidence.
He highlighted the driver's extensive experience, having operated trains for over 20 years.
Hull Trains has announced that there will be minor timetable changes on Fridays and Saturdays starting from March 7, though they assert that nearly all services will continue to run as scheduled, with only some early morning and late evening services affected.
A spokesperson for Hull Trains confirmed that a near full timetable would be maintained, with the intention of notifying customers about any service changes promptly.
The company reiterated its commitment to customer safety and ongoing communication as efforts to resolve the current situation continue.
Members of Aslef at Hull Trains will walk out for 48 hours, with additional strikes scheduled for the same days until the end of April.
Aslef, which has full membership at Hull Trains, indicated that these strikes will lead to significant disruption along the East Coast main line.
In contrast, Hull Trains has stated that only minor timetable alterations will occur.
The union contends that the sacked driver was dismissed for bringing forward safety concerns.
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, noted that the company’s inaction has repercussions not only for Hull Trains employees but also for the wider rail industry’s safety culture.
He emphasized the importance of allowing railway workers to report safety issues without fear of retribution.
Aslef's north-east England organiser, Nigel Roebuck, commented on the necessity for open dialogue in a forward-thinking industry, advocating that employees should freely express concerns related to work conditions, including issues of fatigue and mental health.
Roebuck expressed discontent over Hull Trains’ assertion of the situation being unique and complicated, indicating that the decision to remove the individual from driving duties was based on a remark made during a safety briefing, which lacked substantial evidence.
He highlighted the driver's extensive experience, having operated trains for over 20 years.
Hull Trains has announced that there will be minor timetable changes on Fridays and Saturdays starting from March 7, though they assert that nearly all services will continue to run as scheduled, with only some early morning and late evening services affected.
A spokesperson for Hull Trains confirmed that a near full timetable would be maintained, with the intention of notifying customers about any service changes promptly.
The company reiterated its commitment to customer safety and ongoing communication as efforts to resolve the current situation continue.
