Rail transport in UK disrupted as locomotive drivers go on strike over pay, other issues

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Rail transportation has been disrupted across the UK on Wednesday as unionized locomotive drivers went on strike over issues relating to working conditions, pay raises, and job security.

The strike was called by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) and has affected 16 rail operators.

The locomotive drivers' strike came after the union announced action last month due to an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions.

The union also implemented an overtime ban for drivers on Monday, which will last until Friday.

Due to the strike action, National Rail issued an update, warning passengers of significant disruptions to services.

Meanwhile, London underground workers, members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, had planned to stage a walkout on Wednesday and Friday, but the union called it off on Tuesday after making "significant progress" in negotiations.

"Without the unity and industrial power of our members, there is no way we would have been able to make the progress we have," said Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT.