Gatwick Express drivers to strike

Aslef has been negotiating a pay deal for eight months

Drivers on the non-stop express rail link between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport have announced a series of strikes in a dispute over pay.

Aslef members will walk out on Friday 25 August and Tuesday 29 August, with a further three days of action planned for 11, 22 and 25 September.

The first two dates will be either side of the Bank Holiday weekend and will cover a 24-hour period from midnight.

Aslef has blamed Gatwick Express for not making an acceptable pay offer.

We have no desire to add to the misery of the travelling public, especially at this time Andy Reed, Aslef

The union has insisted the action is necessary because after "meandering" formal negotiations, the company has failed to make an offer that is "even vaguely acceptable".

It has accused managers of stalling and obstructing progress rather than seeking a reasonable settlement.

"Our representatives were presented with a final offer which would see increases of just over 3%, with any productivity based on a new restrictive roster," said national organiser Andy Reed.

The union said its 46 members who drive the Gatwick Express trains had done all they could to minimise the effects of recent problems at London's airports, but their goodwill and professionalism had been ignored, or taken for granted, by the company.

Contingency plans

"We have no desire to add to the misery of the travelling public, especially at this time," Mr Reed said.

"But equally we demand that Aslef members are treated with respect."

Gatwick Express said it was disappointed with the strike threat.

Managing director Peter Cotton said it had worked for eight months to try to reach a deal and would continue further discussions with Aslef to resolve the matter.

"We are working on a range of contingency plans that will maintain the safe and secure operation of Gatwick Express for our customers," he said.