Rail users in England are bracing themselves for a week of disruptions due to strikes organized by the train drivers' union Aslef.

This action comes in the wake of an overtime ban initiated on Monday, with Tuesday marking the start of a series of strike days. The ongoing dispute revolves around issues of pay and conditions, making it the latest chapter in a long-standing disagreement between Aslef, the train drivers' union and train operators.

Aslef members have committed to refusing overtime work from January 29 to February 6. This overtime ban might result in some cancellations and delays. The most severe disruptions are expected during the strike days between January 30 and February 5. Different operators will be impacted on specific days, with some operating no trains. The affected operators and corresponding strike days include:

• January 30: Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Thameslink, South Western Railway, and SWR Island Line.

• January 31: Northern Trains, Transpennine Express.

• February 2: Greater Anglia, C2C, LNER.

• February 3: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway.

• February 5: Great Western, CrossCountry, Chiltern.

No strike action is planned for February 1 and February 4.

While there are no walkouts in Scotland, some services will be affected due to safety work at Ratho railway station. This safety measure involves installing netting to prevent rockfalls, leading to limitations on services between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Stirling, and Inverness.

In recent years, both Aslef and the RMT union have been involved in industrial action causing significant disruptions. Notably, RMT members, including guards and ticket office staff, accepted a pay offer in November last year, bringing a temporary respite. Talks with the RMT regarding future pay deals and working practices are ongoing, and unions need to reballot members every six months to decide on continued industrial action.

Rail passengers holding advance tickets can avail fee-free refunds if their booked trains are canceled, delayed, or rescheduled. Return ticket holders may also be entitled to a fee-free refund if any part of their journey is affected by strikes. Season ticket holders, including flexi, monthly, or longer durations, unable to travel, can claim 100% compensation for strike dates through the Delay Repay scheme.

The crux of the matter lies in Aslef's pursuit of improved pay for its members. However, train operators contend that changes to working practices are necessary for wage increases, given financial challenges and the need for fairness to taxpayers. Aslef argues that drivers are being asked to compromise working conditions in exchange for a below-inflation wage increase. The government, holding the purse strings, has yet to facilitate a resolution, and formal talks have been stalled since Aslef rejected a 4% pay rise for two years in April 2023.

As of 2022, the average salary for rail workers was £45,919, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Excluding drivers, the estimate drops to £39,518. The ONS notes that median pay for "train and tram drivers" is just under £59,000. Train companies and the government argue that the rejected offer by Aslef would elevate average train driver pay to £65,000.

In response to ongoing strikes, the government introduced a new law empowering train companies to require sufficient staff to work on strike days to operate 40% of services. However, none of the affected operators have invoked this provision, and the rules have yet to be implemented. Unions vehemently oppose these minimum service levels, with Aslef indicating that it would respond to such measures with additional strikes.

As rail users go through the disruptions caused by the Aslef strikes, the broader debate over fair pay, working conditions, and the role of government intervention continues. Passengers are urged to stay informed about the latest developments, check travel plans, and explore compensation options. The ongoing clash between unions, train operators, and the government underscores the complex dynamics involved in ensuring a smooth and fair railway system for both workers and the public.