What:

Train drivers across 16 railway operators and tube (underground rail) drivers in the United Kingdom have planned strike action against rail operators. Train drivers, part of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, will participate in walkouts and overtime bans from 04 April across 16 railway operators. Aslef Tube drivers have planned walkouts on 08 April and 04 May.

Why:

The strike by the train drivers is planned over the long-running dispute between the drivers and rail operators over work and pay conditions. Aslef has reported that train drivers have not received a pay raise for the past five years. The strike by Aslef Tube drivers is organized over a separate dispute with the London Underground over members’ terms and conditions regarding working conditions.

So What:

Train drivers will participate in an overtime ban from 04-06 April, and 08-09 April. The train companies affected by the walkouts are as follows:

• 05 April: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry
• 06 April: Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Norther, and TransPennine trains
• 08 April: c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line
• The overtime ban by the train drivers can lead to short-notice changes and cancellations.
• Disruptions in services of the London Underground are expected. However, the Elizabeth Line, DLR, and Overground lines are anticipated to operate as usual.
• Widespread travel disruptions are anticipated due to the coinciding of strikes by the drivers across 16 rail operators and the London Underground.
• Crowding of buses and trains unaffected by the strikes is expected.
• Demonstrations by the union members cannot be ruled out.
• Passengers are advised to check train schedules and travel disruptions on the National Rail website (https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/) and Transport for London website (https://tfl.gov.uk/) before travel.

Outlook:

Significant transport disruptions and delays can be expected across the United Kingdom, especially in London. Passengers are advised to stay updated about the train schedules and plan their travels accordingly.