UK train drivers call for July 30 strike in escalating crisis

Britain’s train drivers’ union said it will strike on Saturday July 30 over a pay dispute, creating more transport chaos a day after other rail workers said they would also walk out later this month.  

The Aslef labor group said drivers will stage the day-long stoppage after failing to reach a deal with employers. Members of two other unions will stage a 24 hour strike on July 27 after failing to reach a pay deal.

“Strike action is, now, the only option available but we are always open to talks if the train companies, or the government, want to talk to us and make a fair and sensible offer,” said Aslef’s general secretary Mick Whelan.

The threat of further disruption comes after rail travel across the country was halted in June by a three-day rail strike led by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, the biggest in more than three decades.