Glasgow train strikes continue as services cancelled

ASLEF members formed a picket line outside the Polmadie train depot.

They are in dispute with 15 train companies, over pay.

As a result, cross-border rail services between Scotland and England are severely disrupted, including the Avanti West Coast travelling from Glasgow to London.

Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF Scotland organiser (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Three Avanti west coast trains sit at the Alstom Glasgow train care centre in Polmadie (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

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ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan told the PA news agency it is “inevitable” that further strikes will be held unless there is a breakthrough to the long-running row.

He said: “The situation is getting worse and my members now want to go harder and faster because of the lack of progress.

“We are in a weird world where the Government will do anything to keep private companies in the industry.

“It is inevitable that more strikes will be held and probably escalate.

“The train companies say their hands have been tied by the Government. While the Government – which does not employ us – says it’s up to the companies to negotiate with us.

“We are always happy to negotiate – we never refuse to sit down at the table and talk – but these companies have offered us nothing, and that is unacceptable.”

Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF Scotland organiser (Image: NQ)

Barry Milsom, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “On January 5, we will have no services due to Aslef’s strike, and we’re telling customers not to travel. Any customers with tickets for January 3-7 are strongly advised to make their journey on alternative days or claim a full refund.

“We all need to be working together for the long-term benefit of our people and customers. So, we will continue our industry reform talks with the RMT and Aslef so we can develop a railway fit for the 21st century.”