Thousands of train drivers go on strike in the UK, transport is disrupted

Thousands of train drivers in the UK have started a strike demanding a wage increase. About 5 thousand drivers across the country decided to organize a 24-hour strike against 7 train companies. A large number of passengers faced travel disruptions due to the strike.

The strike of train drivers, which coincides with the second day of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the first day of the English football season, follows a total of 4-day strikes since June by railway cleaners, signposts, maintenance workers and station staff demanding improved wages and working conditions.

Unions are demanding significant wage increases due to inflation above 9 percent, while train companies are trying to reduce costs and headcount in the wake of closures in the Covid-19 pandemic.

While unions blame the government, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, accused “militant union leaders” of resisting the necessary reforms, in a letter to the Times of London.

The leader of the ASLEF trade union said they had not received a raise for three years, adding that workers were only demanding “realistic” pay rises.

It is reported that further strikes are planned in the country in August.