Commuters warned to expect disruption as drivers from the Aslef union invoke a no overtime ban in pay dispute with government and rail operators, including Great Western Railway

Commuters are being urged to check before they travel this week as further industrial action takes place across the rail network.

GWR said that train services, including those through West Berkshire, may be cancelled or revised at short notice, as fewer trains are able to run on all lines.

“Train services running across the whole Great Western Railway network may be cancelled or revised,” the company said. “Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 08/07/23.”

There is no strike taking place, but the drivers’ union, Aslef, has called for an overtime ban by members.

The action is expected to involve around 12,000 drivers across 16 English train operators and is in response to the ongoing national dispute over pay and conditions.

General secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, said: "Once again we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action.
“We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve the dispute. Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the government that they do not want an end to the dispute.

“Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.

"We don't want to inconvenience the public. We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost of living crisis when inflation is running at above 10%, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.

"It's time for the government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution."

GWR said it wasn’t able to provide a bus replacement service during the latest industrial action.

“During action short of a strike and the days after strikes, services could also be affected by a limited number of short-notice cancellations and alterations,” it added.

“If you intend to travel where trains are running, please check before you travel. Trains that are operating will be busier than usual because we will not be able to offer the normal service frequency.

“Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel could also be affected.”