UK train drivers ban overtime as industrial action against pay dispute

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Commuters and travelers across England are bracing for a summer of travel chaos as Britain's trade union for train drivers has commenced its latest industrial action.

Train drivers belonging to the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) are in dispute over pay, job security, and working conditions. The union has decided to ban overtime throughout August. The action will disrupt services with 15 train companies operating in England from Monday, July 31, until Saturday, Aug. 5.

The affected train companies include Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Island Line, LNER, Northern Trains, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line, TransPennine Express, and West Midlands Trains.

Since many companies rely on drivers working overtime to maintain their packed schedules, the overtime ban will likely reduce service levels.