Majority of trains cancelled due to rail strikes

Southeastern trains in sidings at Ramsgate station in Kent during a previous strike

Trains are running on just four routes in Kent today as drivers in the Aslef union strike over pay and conditions.

Southeastern services are operating between Ashford and St Pancras, Orpington and Charing Cross, and Dartford and Charing Cross via Sidcup or Grove Park.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said it previously offered a pay increase of 4% each year for two years, based on a four-day week before overtime.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said his union rejected the offer but would not say what level of pay rise he would accept.

“I want to get back to the days where we’re talking about greater capacity, green, cheaper railways, safer travel for women,” Mr Whelan told BBC Radio Kent.

“Nobody wants to be standing out here in all weathers losing money. Any worker who hasn’t had a pay rise for five years has the right to ask for one.”

Mr Whelan said the strikes were caused by “the privateers” who have unrealistic demands of his members.

'Targeting passengers'

Aslef has called 14 strikes since the dispute began in 2022. There are further delays possible on Tuesday due to an overtime ban.

RDG regional director Robert Nisbet said he is ready to talk with the union but that it “must be sensible about this”.

“We urge the leadership of Aslef to get back round the table with us,” he said.

He rejected claims that the RDG is “ripping up conditions”, but did say the group is proposing to scrap Sunday being an “optional workday” as a greater number of passengers are now travelling on that day than previously.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

"Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table - taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”