ASLEF train drivers working for East Midlands Trains have announced strike dates in a row over pensions.
The industrial action follows confirmation by East Midlands Trains that pension contributions for employees will reduce from July.
The train operator said ‘ASLEF’s stance is to maintain the higher pension contribution rates, which would see train drivers paying around £500 a year more than they need to, for no additional benefits’.
Members ‘overwhelmingly’ voted in support of industrial action to ‘protect their pensions’.
76.4% were in favour of action which will take place on 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th and 17th May.
East Midlands Trains said it planned to continue running train services for passengers despite the industrial strike action.
David Horne, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, said:
“Pension contributions made by our employees will reduce from July this year. This is good news for our staff and will have no impact on their pension benefits.
“It follows recommendations from a recent pension valuation, which is an independent financial health check on the scheme. We have written to our employees to explain the forthcoming changes and the background.
“It makes ASLEF’s stance difficult to understand and we are surprised that our train drivers are planning to take industrial action over this matter.”
Will the company agree to pay the shortfall back at the end of its franchise? NO that’s the answer they won’t give its staff so what do you expect them to do,best of luck with your strikes
Mickt, Thank you for seeing through this blatant attempt to rob the pension scheme and fill their greedy, selfish coffers with cash. If they are not prepared to fund any shortfall then one can only assume that they are not that confident in what they are telling employee’s, or, is it a matter of they are not going to be the franchise holder comew that time?? This would only mean they have taken loads of cash and done one without a care for the next holder of the franchise or more so for its employee’s.