In a context marked by inflation, the workers of fifteen railway companies in the United Kingdom are facing a new day of strike this Wednesday for an improvement in salaries that have been frozen in this sector for four years. This will be the first of two strikes this week in the British country due to rising prices.
Specifically, the members of the Aslef union go on strike today, Wednesday and next Saturday, the 3rd, which will coincide with the final of the FA Cup of English football. On the last occasion, as configured by La Información, the strike coincided with the Eurovision music contest in Liverpool. While those who belong to the RMT transport union support the measure of force today and on Friday the 2nd.
In recent months, workers in the railway sector have gone on strike on several occasions to demand a wage increase given that year-on-year inflation climbed 8.7% after exceeding 10%, well above the 2% target set by the Bank of England.
Employees demand a salary increase
After four years without receiving a pay raise, members of the rail companies felt they were entitled to one, especially during the cost of living crisis. For its part, the Bank of England has estimated that only 40% of rail services will be operational this Wednesday. Aslef’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, told the media that the train drivers were “determined to get a resolution and to stay on this for the long haul.”
