RDG condemns more ‘unnecessary’ ASLEF strikes
The drivers’ union ASLEF has called new strikes in England early next month. The union’s general secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘Our pay deals at these companies ran out in 2019. Train drivers at these TOCs have not had an increase in salary for five years. That is completely wrong’. The Rail Delivery Group said industrial action was ‘unnecessary’ and that it will continue to seek ‘a fair agreement’
Trains are running again on the Cumbrian Coast Line between Lancaster and Barrow-in Furness, after a derailment at Grange-over-Sands blocked the track on 22 March. No-one was hurt, but a six coach Northern train had to be removed by crane. Network Rail is continuing to work with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to discover the cause of a void in the ground which was discovered near the site of the derailment.
Derby City Council has revealed a letter from transport secretary Mark Harper which offers new hope for the Alstom works at Litchurch Lane, where ten trains for the Elizabeth Line are now set to be built, after a proposed order for five had been doubled to ten and ‘approved in principle’. It is hoped that the order for about 90 cars, worth at least £200 million, will secure jobs at the site until Derby starts building Alstom’s new Adessia commuter trains, possibly for export as well as domestic operators.
ALSO IN THE NEWS
MOST COMMENTED
- Primary option announced for NPR route between Liverpool and Manchester
- ‘Gloves off’ at Alstom Derby after government turned its back
- Monday essay: Why Adessia could be Alstom Derby’s Great White Hope
- New hope for Alstom Derby, while RMT calls for summit
- RIA says simpler fares would boost railway revenues
CONTACT
Stay in touch with Railnews by signing up to our email newsletter