After a tumultuous year and a half of train disruptions, the rumble of discontent returns as Aslef union, representing train drivers, gears up for another week of strikes started Tuesday morning. This time, they’re bringing a twist: a rolling program of walkouts across different operators each day. Union leaders assure you, this strategic deployment will ensure “maximum disruption.”

Fresh off a cooling-off period that yielded no resolution, Aslef members are re-entering the fray, reigniting the long-burning dispute over pay. Brace yourselves, commuters, because this round involves a double whammy – not only crippling overtime bans but also driver strikes across the network.

So check your train operator’s website diligently, prepare for detours and delays, and maybe pack a good book for those unforeseen platform waits. Your commute might be less of a smooth glide and more of a rollercoaster ride.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:

“Passengers are being targeted by Aslef’s decision to go on strike, despite union bosses having an offer on the table that would take train drivers’ average salary up to £65,000 for a four-day week.

“While the RMT, TSSA and Unite have all agreed deals for their members, Aslef’s leadership isn’t even putting the fair offer on the table to a vote of their members.

“The taxpayer subsidised the rail sector to the tune of £12bn in the last year alone – the very same taxpayers who are now being forced to miss work, postpone vital medical appointments and cancel plans with loved ones because Aslef bosses are determined to stand in the way of reform.

Avanti West Coast

Overtime ban on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday, 5, Tuesday 6.

Drivers strike on Saturday and there is an amended timetable on Friday and Sunday.

C2C

Overtime ban on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 5, Tuesday 6. There is a reduced service on all of these days.

Drivers strike on Friday.

Chiltern Railways

Overtime ban on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday 6.

Drivers strike on Monday, 5.

Timeline of the strikes:

January 29th: An overtime ban began across 17 rail operators.
January 30th: Strikes took place on South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern, and Thameslink.
January 31st: Strikes took place on Northern and TransPennine Express.
February 1st: No strikes, but the overtime ban continued.
February 2nd: Strikes took place on Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER.
February 3rd: Strikes took place on West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway.
February 4th: No strike, but the overtime ban continued.
February 5th to 9th: Strikes on LNER.