Train strikes planned during the Olympics

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Train drivers will hold strikes on 6,7 and 8 August during the Olympics, Union bosses announced today.

The walk-out will affect the main line connecting the Midlands to Euston – a line expected to be very busy during the Games.

Train drivers union ASLEF called for the strike following a dispute over pensions.

ASLEF leader Mick Whelan blamed the strike action on East Midlands Trains’ cost-cutting.

“To cut pensions in the current climate is highly irresponsible. It is widely believed that the (pension) funds assets have dramatically decreased since the last valuation.

“The current owners of the East Midlands Trains franchise may have no responsibility over the pension fund in a few years, whereas our members face the prospect of either cripplingly high rates or reduced benefits due to a short-term cost-cutting decision made by EMT [East Midlands Trains] that has left the scheme in deficit,” he said.

David Horne, managing director of East Midlands Trains branded the strikes as “a real kick in the teeth” for the company’s customers.

“The fact is that there was only one point of clarification still under discussion with the union on the pension proposal we put forward back in June. We were in talks with ASLEF to deal with this issue when we heard the news that further strike action dates had been announced.

“We’re particularly surprised that ASLEF has announced further strike dates, rather than putting the offer that was accepted in principle back in June to their members for consideration.

“We’re certain that the public will be shocked and angry to hear that the union has announced strike action during a time of great national pride for our country. We hope ASLEF can see sense and call off this unnecessary strike action.”