Train drivers prepare to strike

Drivers working for East Midlands Trains are going on strike after rejecting the firm's latest pay offer.

Members of the Aslef union will walk out on Fridays and Mondays for the next three weeks - with the first stoppage taking place this Friday.

Managers at the company have described the strikes as "crazy" - saying some of the 400 drivers had been offered a pay increase of around 6%.

Aslef said 75% of drivers had voted for strike action.

The company made a further offer, we put that offer to our membership, it was rejected by a massive amount Mike Whelen, Aslef

East Midlands Trains said it had offered its drivers an above-inflation pay deal.

The drivers on the London services have been offered a 3% increase, taking their pay to around £38,500 a year.

Those on the local and regional services have been offered an increase of around 5.74%, bringing their pay up to similar levels.

Mick Whelen, of Aslef, stressed his members did not consider it to be a generous offer.

He said: "I don't quite understand how (East Midlands Trains) can say it's a crazy decision.

"The company made a further offer, we put that offer to our membership, it was rejected by a massive amount and therefore the axe has come back into place, so I think the company are more than aware of the situation."

He said the deal would involve paying less to the depot drivers who worked in the yards, but that members were also not happy with other aspects of the offer ranging from the use of new technology to reporting delays.

The strikes are due to be held on; Friday 24 July, Monday 27 July, Friday 31 July, Monday 3 August, Friday 7 August and Monday 10 August.

East Midlands Trains said it planned to run a minimum of 70 trains on each strike day and put on replacement bus services as well.