Train drivers set to resume strikes in October

Train drivers are set to stage more strikes in October as part of a long-running dispute over pay, the BBC understands.

Drivers at 12 train companies are expected to strike on 1 and 5 October.

Aslef, the train drivers' union, has not commented on the proposed industrial action out of respect ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

A strike had been planned for 15 September, but was postponed following the announcement of the Queen's death.

Aslef will not be making any public statements or comments on further strike action until Tuesday.

But the managing director of rail operator LNER, David Horne, tweeted that the trade union Aslef had indeed notified it of strike action on Saturday 1 October and Wednesday 5 October.

Mr Horne said LNER had already suspended ticket sales for these dates and it would confirm as soon as possible which services will be running.

A rail industry source told the BBC that they found it "incredible" and "utterly disrespectful" that the Aslef leadership announced fresh strike action on Friday.

"This a time when the entire rail family is working hard to support the hundreds of thousands of people who wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen during this time of national mourning," they said.

A series of large-scale rail strikes has already happened in recent months, causing disruption for millions, with unions wanting pay increases in line with the rising cost of living.

Rail bosses say they want to give workers a pay rise. But they and the government insist changes are needed to "modernise" the railway, end some outdated working practices and save money.

They argue that with passenger revenue lower than before the pandemic, and after billions of public money kept services going, neither taxpayers nor passengers should have to pay more to cover the funding gap. So higher wages must be funded by reforms.

They have also accused unions of a "total disregard" for passengers.

The latest strike action is expected to affect travel to and from the Conservative party conference, which is due to take place in Birmingham between 2 and 5 October.

The London Marathon is also taking place on 2 October.

During her campaign, Prime Minister Liz Truss pledged to introduce new restrictions on trade unions, which drew severe criticism from the likes of the Trade Unions' Congress as an "attack on fundamental British liberty".

One of her proposals included ensuring that a minimum level of service is provided in some sectors, including the railways.

Unions currently have to give two weeks' notice of planned strike action.