Train drivers on LNER services in the North East are set to vote on whether to strike in a long-running pay dispute. Members of the Aslef union at LNER, which operates trains on the East Coast Mainline between London and Edinburgh, will be balloted in the coming weeks on launching industrial action.
Nine months of talks fail to reach agreement
The union said it had reached an agreement after nine months of intensive talks, which led to a three-year productivity deal. However, Aslef stated that the state-run company told them it did not have a remit to negotiate the package. Nigel Roebuck, Aslef's organiser in the North East, said: "After nine months of talks, and after agreeing a package that benefits both our members and LNER, being told that third-party interference in the collective bargaining process has blocked the way forward is beyond disappointing."
Union criticises timetable and reliance on overtime
Roebuck added: "The company's passenger timetable is, yet again, dependent on goodwill and favours and endless overtime. Have they learnt nothing from recent history? The timetable introduced in December 2025 had insufficient resources from day one." Dave Calfe, Aslef general secretary, said: "The company's failure to make a suitable offer is unacceptable and that’s why we are balloting our members for industrial action."
LNER responds
An LNER spokesperson said: "We are continuing to meet with Aslef colleagues as we work together to try to reach an agreement." The ballot will take place in the coming weeks, with potential strike action affecting services on the East Coast Mainline.
