Train drivers threaten to strike

Hundreds of South West Trains drivers could walk out from 31 March to 3 April in protest at a 4.5% wage offer.

Train drivers' union Aslef said talks would continue on Thursday and when a final decision would be made.

The company warned it would only be able to run a limited service, with bus replacements, if the strike went ahead.

A four-day stoppage could create chaos for the hundreds of thousands of passengers who use the services across the south and into London's Waterloo station.

Aslef said it had sent South West Trains notification of action its members would take if negotiations failed.

'Significant disruption'

South West Trains said the offer would give a driver working in the London area a basic annual salary of £40,447 for a 37-hour week.

All other trades unions offered the deal have accepted it or recommended it to their non-driver members in a ballot, said the company.

Stewart Palmer, managing director, said: "We regret the significant disruption this will cause to our passengers and we reassure them that we will do everything we can to avoid this strike taking place.

"We are very disappointed that Aslef has taken this decision as we believe that this is a very good offer in the current economic climate."

An Aslef spokesperson said: "The union will make a statement when the talks are concluded."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Aslef
South West Trains
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites