When ASLEF (the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) declared that its members employed by LNER would go on strike every weekend from the end of August to mid-November, Sir Keir Starmer’s attempts to terminate years of industrial action were severely hindered.
The train drivers’ union’s action stems not from salary conflicts but from disagreements over working conditions. Specifically, the union has accused employers of “bullying” behavior and LNER management of “persistently breaking” agreements.
Services on the East Coast Main Line are provided by London North Eastern Railway.
New demands for action from a union that gives substantial funding to the Labour Party were met with it.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh wrote in the Sunday Mirror: “My message is straightforward, and I’ve made my frustrations clear to both parties.”
“Take a cue from this administration and promptly convene, engage in sincere negotiations, and halt this action before it begins.
