Misery for rail passengers as Aslef strikes hit train services in and around Birmingham
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Passengers in the West Midlands are amid a week of disruption as train drivers union Aslef stages a series of one-day strikes. Industrial action began on Monday's bank holiday, and rail operators are warning of major disruptions with no services expected today (Wednesday, May 8) from West Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways, or Avanti West Coast.
The dispute, which dates back two years, centers around pay as Aslef rejected an offer of 4% rises over consecutive years when the last offer was tabled in April 2023. The offer was accompanied by conditions that included changes to training and new working patterns. Rail Delivery Group, negotiating on behalf of the rail companies, said it continues to seek a fair agreement.
Passengers with advance or season tickets will be able to get refunds for services that are cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled due to the strikes.
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