Train strikes could continue into Christmas, as fresh disruption begins

Train strikes could run into the Christmas period, the leader of the train drivers’ union has said. 

Aslef’s Mick Whelan told the BBC he did not believe the government or industry wanted a resolution. 

A new wave of strike action begins on Friday in Aslef’s long-running pay dispute. 

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train companies, said its offer remained on the table. 

More than a dozen train companies will be affected by strike action on Saturday, and on Wednesday, 4 October. 

The strike dates bookend the Tory Party conference in Manchester. 

The new wave of industrial action will likely have a severe impact with most of the operators involved not running any services at all. 

On top of the strikes, thousands of drivers will also turn down overtime on Friday and again from Monday until Friday next week, which will lead to some cancellations.