East Midlands Trains has challenged trade union ASLEF to ‘let train drivers decide’ on the company’s proposals to resolve the current pensions dispute which has disrupted thousands of journeys over the past couple of weeks.
The company accused the ASLEF central negotiating team of ‘deliberately keeping its members in the dark as the trade union subjects rail passengers to a fifth day of unnecessary industrial action’.
Talks between the union and train operator ended without an agreement being reached last week, meaning strikes are being held today and on Thursday.
Clare McCartney, HR Director for East Midlands Trains, said:
“Drivers are asking us why their union is denying them the right to decide on our proposals to resolve this strike over nothing.
“We have never understood why train drivers were being encouraged by ASLEF to strike for less pay. At the same time, drivers are being misled by ASLEF into losing a further £200 a day each time they walk out.
“Our proposals would increase the take-home pay for our employees, and increase their pension benefits. Instead of keeping its members in the dark, ASLEF should be honest about our proposals and let drivers decide.”
