Rail company seeks talks to avert strikes

train drivers on a route linking Yorkshire and London were today due to strike over pensions, despite bosses asking union officials to take part in talks.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th May 2012, 07:00 BST

Members of the drivers’ union Aslef at East Midlands Trains staged two 24-hour walkouts last week and are planning further stoppages on Thursday and on May 15 and 17.

The union said talks had been arranged with the Stagecoach-owned firm for Thursday, adding that its general secretary Mick Whelan will lead its negotiations.

But Clare McCartney, the firm’s HR director, said: “We want to meet now to get this unnecessary dispute resolved. This is a strike over nothing. The average driver will lose around £1,200 in pay by following Aslef’s misguided call.

“We have a strong track record of properly funding pensions and we will continue to do so.”

East Midlands Trains, which runs services from Sheffield to St Pancras, said there will be a reduced service on strike days, including replacement buses.