More Rail Cancellations Amid Ongoing Driver Dispute

A union has warned that more Sheffield rail services are likely to be cancelled due to an overtime dispute involving Transpennine Express (TPE) drivers.

Keith Richmond, from ASLEF (the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen), said the ongoing dispute relating to working conditions is likely to result in further cancellations as drivers refuse to do voluntary overtime to replace unavailable colleagues.

He continued that drivers withdrawing from voluntary overtime will continue to affect services 'for the rest of the year' unless the dispute is settled.

A spokesman for Transpennine, said:

"Whilst we have enough drivers and spare capability to deliver our timetable, services can on occasion be affected by increased levels of sickness at depots. Previously we have been able to resource uncovered services by offering voluntary overtime.

"Disappointingly and unfortunately for our customers, ASLEF, the representing union have withdrawn from what is known as a Rest Day Working agreement.

"We have offered a number of resolutions to the areas of dispute to ASLEF but unfortunately no agreement has yet been reached."

The dispute comes after FirstGroup took sole control of the TPE franchise, having run the previous franchise in partnership with Keolis. TPE say they will invest £500m in services over the next seven years, in a bid to create an 'outstanding intercity rail service.'

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PM Law

Employment Solicitors