When is the next train strike? May and June 2023 rail action dates
Out of all the strikes that the UK has seen over the last year or so, industrial action affecting public transport is often some of the most disruptive.
On strike days, thousands of commuters saw their journeys thrown into chaos as virtually the entire rail network was shut down.
Now, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) has announced new industrial action in the coming months (including during the FA Cup final) after rejecting an offer from the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).
So, just when are the next train strikes scheduled to take place?
Here is what you need to know.
When is the next train strike?
The ASLEF Union has set three dates for industrial action in the coming months, as well as putting in place an overtime ban taking effect for the duration of the strike period.
The next strike will take place on Friday, May 12.
May and June 2023 rail action dates
The current ASLEF 2023 strike dates are:
- Friday, May 12
- Wednesday, May 31
- Saturday, June 3
All strike dates are subject to change at the last minute due to ongoing negotiations, so check the latest information before travelling.
In announcing the strike dates, Mick Whelan of ASLEF accused the RDG of rejecting ‘our proposals to modernise Britain’s railways and help them run more efficiently, for passengers and for businesses, in the 21st century.’
Mr Whelan went on to state: ‘Consequently, we have today announced three more days of strike action – on Friday May 12, Wednesday May 31, and Saturday June 3 – at the companies with which we are in dispute, and which are letting down passengers, and taxpayers, so badly.
‘We are also withdrawing non-contractual overtime from Monday 15 to Saturday May 20 inclusive, as well as on Saturday May 13 and Thursday June 1.’
Describing the strikes as ‘disappointing news for our customers and staff’ a Rail Delivery Group Spokesperson said: ‘More strike action is totally unnecessary and will only heap more pressure on an industry already facing an acute financial crisis.
‘Senselessly targeting both the final of Eurovision and the FA cup final is disappointing for all those planning to attend.’
Which train companies will be affected by strikes?
ASLEF claim that 16 train companies are set to be affected by the strikes, including:
- Avanti West Coast
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- GTR Great Northern Thameslink
- London North Eastern Railway
- Northern Trains; Southeastern
- Southern/Gatwick Express
- South Western Railway depot drivers
- SWR Island Line
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Trains
Could there be more train strikes?
Another large union involved in rail disputes is the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).
The RMT members recently voted to accept a pay offer from National Rail, who manage the rail infrastructure in the UK.
However, the union is still in dispute with the TOCs, and ballots have now been sent out to renew the union’s mandate for strike action and action short of a strike.
In his latest update to members on April 21, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘This dispute is not over, and we have not accepted any terms that the company has put to us.’
Should RMT members vote to strike again, there is the potential for further industrial action on the railways.
MORE : Nurses’ strike next month is ‘unlawful’, High Court rules
MORE : What strikes are planned around the Coronation of King Charles III?
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below