Passengers across Britain are facing significant travel disruption as CrossCountry train drivers have announced a 24-hour strike in October, escalating a long-running dispute over pay.
The industrial action, organised by the ASLEF union, is set to take place on Monday, October 7th, and will likely bring much of the CrossCountry network to a standstill. The company operates vital long-distance services connecting cities from Aberdeen to Penzance.
Why Drivers Are Walking Out
The strike comes after drivers overwhelmingly rejected a pay offer from the train operator. Union representatives have criticised the company for failing to present a 'serious or credible proposal' that addresses the concerns of its workforce amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
This will be the first strike action taken by ASLEF members at CrossCountry in nearly two decades, highlighting the severity of the deadlocked negotiations.
Expected Impact on Services
Travelers planning journeys for Monday, October 7th, are being urged to seriously reconsider their plans. It is highly probable that CrossCountry will be unable to operate any services on the strike date.
The disruption is expected to ripple across the national rail network, affecting passengers who rely on these services for long-distance travel and connections to other train operators.
A Wider Industry Dispute
This action is part of a broader wave of industrial unrest within the UK's rail sector. ASLEF members at several other train operating companies have also been engaged in disputes over pay and working conditions.
A separate overtime ban is also planned both before and after the strike date, from Saturday, October 5th, to Tuesday, October 8th, which could cause additional short-notice cancellations and service reductions, further compounding the travel chaos.
Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest travel information with National Rail Enquiries and their specific train operator as the strike date approaches.
