Arriva Trains Wales strike action to coincide with rugby match

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Arriva Trains Wales have released a statement regarding ASLEF’s planned industrial action on 12 March:

‘We are extremely disappointed by today’s announcement that ASLEF are planning industrial action to coincide with the Wales versus Ireland game on 12 March.

Arriva Trains Wales has made a substantial offer that has been improved several times. The pay offer which is in excess of 12% over 2 years brings drivers’ salary to £39,117 for a 35 hour 4 day average week.

Arriva Trains Wales has already made detailed plans for the event which includes additional services to cater for thousands of additional passengers who are likely to be travelling by train to and from the event.

Peter Leppard, Operations and Safety Director commented: “It is extremely concerning that ASLEF have decided to announce a strike specifically designed to cause major disruption and damage not only to trains services but also to the wider public and the reputation of Wales.

“We are continuing to do everything we can to bring this situation to a resolution. We apologise that this strike will cause considerable inconvenience to thousands of passengers who wish to travel to Cardiff and it is unlikely that we will be able to run any services. We urge ASLEF to suspend their action immediately and accept this generous pay offer.

“Channels of communication remain open and we are continuing to do everything we can to bring this situation to a resolution.”‘

ASLEF reported that talks with ATW ended yesterday with no agreement, and the union has called for a further day of strike action on Saturday 12 March.

General Secretary Keith Norman says he is bitterly disappointed in the company. “They came up with an improved offer but refused to allow the union to ballot on it. They insisted that they wanted an immediate – undemocratic – response or they would withdraw the revised offer. We asked to be allowed to put it to our members, but they refused. As a democratic organisation, we could not accept that we break our own rules or deny our members a voice.

“Given the company’s reluctance to change the position and the unacceptability of their previous offer, we have little choice but to take further action,” Keith said, as he reiterated that he and the union’s President are ready and willing to be involved in any further negotiations. In the interim, Keith said he could not rule out further dates of industrial action.

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