Travel chaos expected as fresh train strikes begin in UK

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UK rail services are once again expected to be highly affected as train drivers are holding a fresh strike on Wednesday after rejecting a "risible pay offer."

"The proposal – of just 4% – was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of 10% and our members have not had an increase for four years," Mick Whelan, the general secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), said in an earlier statement.

Meanwhile, thousands of Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) members plan to stage a strike on Friday, which will affect the services of 15 train companies.

"The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider," RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said earlier in a statement.

Workers at 16 train companies will also stage a walkout on Saturday, as the ASLEF union rejected the 4% pay rise offer from the Rail Delivery Group.

The walkout may hit the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, which will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.