travel west midlands bus strike

National Express West Midlands bus drivers to vote on new pay which could end strikes

• West Midlands
• National Express
• Saturday 25 March 2023 at 9:16am

National Express bus drivers in the West Midlands will today vote on a new pay offer which could bring an end to ongoing industrial action.

As strike action enters its sixth day, thousands of bus drivers in the West Midlands are due to vote on a new offer aimed at resolving the pay dispute.

It comes as  National Express West Midlands  put forward a new pay deal yesterday (March 22).

More than 3,100 bus drivers will vote on the improved offer today and on Saturday.

However, strike action will continue while the ballot is held, with a result expected to be announced on Saturday.

Bus drivers at  National Express West Midlands  have been on strike since Monday 20 March.

As the service runs 93% of buses in the region, widespread disruption  has impacted those who solely rely on buses to go about their daily lives - including work, school, medical appointments and shopping.

A  National Express West Midlands  spokesperson said: "We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Unite that is going to be fully recommended to its members and will be balloted on Friday and Saturday.

"Subject to a positive ballot, we are intending to operate a reduced service from Sunday 26 March and a normal service from Monday 27 March."

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: “Following negotiations today, National Express put forward an improved pay offer which will be put to our members in a vote over the next two days. Unite will be making no further comments during the ballot period.”

How long will the strike go on for?

It's a continuous and indefinite strike until a pay deal can be agreed on by both sides, say union leaders. Today (Thursday 23 March) marks the fourth day of strike action.

More than 3,100 bus drivers will vote tomorrow and Saturday on an improved offer put forward by the company, Unite said today.

Strike action will continue while the ballot is held on Friday and Saturday.

What services are running?

National Express West Midlands runs 93% of bus services in the region - but with 3,000 drivers on strike, there's not many left to drive the buses.

The company says it's running a limited service, primarily operating routes to major hospitals.

Which hospitals is National Express still operating services to and from?

The operator says it's committed to continue operating services to and from: City Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, New Cross Hospital, Russells Hall Hospital, Sandwell District and Walsall Manor.

"We are very sorry to customers for the disruption this week."

The spokesperson added: "This is a very fair and decent offer - among the best pay rises of any sector, anywhere in the country. 

"We encourage all our drivers to accept the offer and get the  West Midlands  moving again."

Strike action will continue while the ballot is held, with the results known on Saturday. 

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said:   "Following negotiations today, National Express put forward an improved pay offer which will be put to our members in a vote over the next two days. 

"Unite will be making no further comments during the ballot period."

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National Express bus drivers in West Midlands vote to strike over pay

Strike begins 16 March, after company reports underlying pre-tax profit of nearly £146m for last year

UK strike calendar

More than 3,000 National Express bus drivers in the West Midlands have voted to strike over pay, starting on 16 March, the same day as the next RMT train strike .

The Unite union said members voted 96% in favour of industrial action, on a turnout of 72%.

The workers will begin “all-out continuous” strike action on Thursday 16 March, the union said, with industrial action to carry on until the dispute is resolved.

The National Express drivers will be joined by more than 200 engineers at the company who voted for industrial action over pay in January, bringing the total number of striking workers to more than 3,300.

RMT union members from 14 train operators will stage a one-day strike on 16 March after rejecting pay offers from train operators and Network Rail. University lecturers at more than 150 universities and school teachers across England and Wales are also planning to strike that day.

National Express apologised to customers for the “significant disruption” that would be caused by the strike, and said it was continuing to talk to Unite in an attempt to avoid industrial action. It said it anticipated a “very limited service” running on strike days and that customers would be able to find updates on its website.

Publishing its annual results on Thursday, National Express said it had “benefited from strikes elsewhere in public transport in 2022”, as its passenger numbers were boosted by people switching from rail because of the recent train strikes.

The company made an underlying pre-tax profit of £146m last year, up from £40m in 2021 when travel plummeted because of the Covid pandemic. Revenues rose 29% to £2.8bn.

National Express has reduced the price of single tickets to £2 for adults and £1 for children until 31 March, as part of the government’s Help for Households scheme .

Unite said National Express was offering its workers in the West Midlands a real-terms pay cut, despite the surge in profits. Some drivers earn £11.80 an hour while doing “an incredibly stressful job”, rising to £14.40 an hour after three years, Unite said.

The union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “National Express is sitting on mountains of cash and can absolutely afford to give a pay rise to its staff that reflects rocketing living costs. It needs to do just that.”

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National Express said it offered drivers a 14% rise initially, but the union countered that the deal was worth just 8%. Drivers have since been offered an 11.1% pay rise, while engineers have been offered 11.5%.

The strikes are expected to severely disrupt National Express services, which cover 93% of the West Midlands bus network, including in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Walsall, Dudley and West Bromwich .

National Express said: “This is an extremely disappointing result. Since the ballot, we have offered the union a pay deal for drivers worth 13.4% made up of 11.1% for 2023 and a retention payment worth 2.3%. This is on top of 6% our drivers received in November. This will see the majority of drivers earn over £30,000.

“The union has turned it down without even giving our drivers a chance to vote on it. Only 60% of drivers voted in favour of industrial action on an out-of-date offer of 8.1%.”

Unite’s regional officer Sulinder Singh said: “National Express’s greed is the reason why the entire West Midlands bus network will be shut down and it bears the responsibility for the disruption that will be caused. Our members do not want to strike but National Express has left them with no choice. The company needs to put forward an offer that our members can accept – it can clearly afford to.”

• National Express
• Industrial action
• Travel & leisure
• Wolverhampton

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1 | Acocks Green Village - Five Ways (via Springfield, Moseley & Edgbaston Cricket Ground)

1 | Dudley - Tettenhall Wood  (via Sedgley & Wolverhampton)

1S | Solihull - King Edwards High School (School service - available to the general public)

2 | Warstones - Bushbury Hill  (via Penn Fields, Wolverhampton & Fallings Park)

2 | Birmingham - Maypole (via Sparkbrook, Stoney Lane, Billesley & Warstock)

2 | Wrens Nest - Merry Hill  (via Brierley Hill, Russells Hospital and Dudley)

2A | Wrens Nest - Merry Hill  (via Dudley, Russells Hall Hospital, Brierley Hill & Wallows Road)

3 | Birmingham - Yardley Wood (via Sparkbrook, Stoney Lane & Billesley)

3 | West Bromwich - Merry Hill  (via Oldbury, Portway, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

3 | Fordhouses - Castlecroft  (via Stafford Road, Wolverhampton & Merridale Road)

3 | Streetly - Lichfield  (via Hook Hill & Shenstone)

3A | West Bromwich - Blackheath  (via Oldbury & Stuart Road)

4 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Tyseley, Acocks Green & Olton)

4 | Walsall - Blackheath  (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich & Oldbury)

4 | i54 - Wolverhampton  (via Pendeford & Stafford Road)

4A | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Tyseley, Acocks Green, Gospel Oak & Shirley)

4H | Walsall - Hayley Green  (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Halesowen)

4M | Walsall - Merry Hill  (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

5 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Hall Green, Shirley, Monkspath & Widney Manor)

5 | West Bromwich - Sutton Coldfield  (via Great Barr, Kingstanding & New Oscott)

6 | Walsall - Sutton Coldfield  (via Aldridge, Little Aston & Mere Green)

6 | Wolverhampton - Wobaston  (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford & i54)

6 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Hall Green & Shirley)

6 | Dudley - Stourbridge  (via Russells Hall Hospital, Brierley Hill & Amblecote)

6A | Wolverhampton - Wobaston  (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford, Pendeford Business Park & i54)

7 | Birmingham - Perry Common  (via Newtown, Aston & Witton)

7 | Walsall - Castlefort  (via Aldridge)

7 | Dudley - Wollaston  (via Merry Hill, Pedmore & Stourbridge)

7S | Aldridge School - Walsall  (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

8 | Walsall - Lichfield (via Rushall, Pelsall, Clayhanger, Brownhills & Burntwood)

8 | Wolverhampton - Wollaston Farm  (via Coseley, Dudley, Merry Hill & Stourbridge)

8A | Birmingham Inner Circle (Anticlockwise)  (via Aston Cross, Newtown, Hockley, Jewellery Quarter, Five Ways, Highgate, Small Heath & Saltley)

8C | Birmingham Inner Circle (Clockwise)  (via Saltley, Small Heath, Highgate, Five Ways, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Newtown & Aston Cross)

9 | Walsall - Wolverhampton (via Rushall, Pelsall, Bloxwich, New Invention, Wednesfield & Bentley Bridge)

9 | Birmingham - Stourbridge  (via Bearwood, Quinton & Halesowen)

9A | Shire Oak School - Walsall  (School service - available to the general public)

10 | Walsall - Brownhills  (via Rushall & Shelfield)

10 | Wolverhampton - Perton  (via Compton & Tettenhall Wood)

10A | Wolverhampton - Pattingham  (via Compton, Tettenhall Wood & Perton)

11 | Dudley - Walsall  (via Wednesbury & Powis Avenue)

11 | Wolverhampton - Underhill  (via Fallings Park & The Scotlands)

11A | Birmingham Outer Circle (Anticlockwise via via Erdington, Perry Barr, Bearwood, Harborne, Kings Heath & Acocks Green)

11A | Dudley - Walsall  (via Myvod, Wednesbury & Gospel Oak)

11C | Birmingham Outer Circle (Clockwise via Kings Heath, Cotteridge, Harborne, Perry Barr, Erdington & Acocks Green)

11S | Archbishop Ilsley School - Erdington  (School service - available to the general public)

12 | Dudley - Birmingham  (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

12A | Dudley - Birmingham  (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

13 | Birmingham - Oldbury  (via Bearwood & Langley)

13A | Birmingham - Blackheath  (via Bearwood & Brandhall)

14 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Duddeston, Saltley, Alum Rock, Stechford, Kitts Green & Tile Cross)

14 | Foxyards Estate - Halesowen  (via Dudley, Blackheath & Quinton)

14A | Dudley - Merry Hill  (via Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

15 | Wolverhampton - Merry Hill  (via Spring Hill, Wombourne, Kingswinford & Bromley)

15A | Wolverhampton - Merry Hill (via Spring Hill, Kingswinford & Bromley)

16 | Birmingham - Great Barr  (via Hockley, Handsworth Wood & Hamstead)

16 | Wolverhampton - Stourbridge  (via Penn Road, Wombourne, Swindon, Kingswinford & Wordsley)

17 | Birmingham - Tile Cross  (via Small Heath, Hob Moor Road, Yardley & Garretts Green)

18 | Yardley Wood - Bartley Green  (via Cotteridge & Northfield)

19 | Dudley - Q.E. Hospital  (via Netherton, Old Hill, Halesowen, Worlds End & Harborne)

20 | QE Hospital - Bromsgrove  (via Selly Oak, Northfield, Longbridge & Rubery)

20A | QE Hospital - Cofton Hackett  (via Selly Oak, Northfield, Longbridge & Rednal)

23 | Birmingham - Bartley Green (via Five Ways, Harborne, California & Woodgate)

24 | Birmingham - Woodgate Valley North (via Five Ways, Harborne, Court Oak & Four Dwellings)

24 | Dudley - Merry Hill  (via Springfield, Blackheath, Rowley Regis Hospital, Dudley Wood & Cradley Heath)

25 | Wolverhampton - Pendeford / Pendeford Business Park  (via Goldthorn Park, Bilston, Willenhall, Wednesfield & i54)

27 | Frankley - Yardley Wood  (via Kings Heath, Stirchley, Bournville & Northfield)

28 | Heartlands Hospital - Great Barr  (via Ward End, Castle Bromwich, Erdington, Old Oscott & Perry Beeches)

29 | Walsall - Bloxwich  (via Harden & Blakenall)

31 | Walsall - Mossley  (via Bloxwich)

32 | Walsall - Lower Farm  (via Bloxwich)

32 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Clockwise)  (via Fordhouse Road & Bushbury Lane)

33 | Birmingham - Pheasey  (via Perry Barr & Kingstanding)

33 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Anticlockwise)  (via Bushbury Lane & Fordhouse Road)

34 | Walsall - Bilston  (via Darlaston & Rough Hay)

35 | Walsall - St Francis of Assisi College  (via Rushall)

35 | Birmingham - Hawkesley (via Balsall Heath, Moseley, Kings Heath, Brandwood End & Pool Farm)

36 | Walsall - Alumwell  (via Manor Hospital)

37 | Walsall - Willenhall  (via Darlaston & Lodge Farm)

39 | Walsall - Stowlawn  (via Darlaston, Moxley & Bilston)

40 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury  (via Stone Cross & Friar Park)

41 | Walsall - Willenhall  (via Lodge Farm & New Invention)

42 | West Bromwich - Tipton Queens Road (via Greets Green & Great Bridge)

43 | West Bromwich - Bilston  (via Greets Green, Great Bridge & Princes End)

44 | West Bromwich - Harvills Hawthorn  (via Hill Top)

45 | Birmingham - Longbridge (via Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Kings Norton & West Heath)

47 | Birmingham - Longbridge (via Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Wychall Lane & Turves Green)

47 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury  (via Hateley Heath)

48 | West Bromwich - Q.E. Hospital  (via Londonderry, Bearwood & Harborne)

48A | West Bromwich - Bearwood  (via Warley)

49 | West Bromwich - Bearwood  (via Langley, Causeway Green & Brandhall)

49 | Solihull - Rubery, Great Park  (via Shirley, Maypole, Kings Norton, West Heath & Longbridge)

50 | Birmingham - Druids Heath  (via Highgate, Moseley, Kings Heath & Maypole)

51 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Great Barr & Perry Barr)

52 | Birmingham - Perry Beeches (via Lozells & Perry Barr)

54 | West Bromwich - Worlds End (via Europa Village, Smethwick, Cape Hill & Brandhall)

54A | West Bromwich - Worlds End  (via Europa Village, Smethwick, Cape Hill & Brandhall)

59 | Wolverhampton - Ashmore Park (via New Cross Hospital & Wednesfield)

60 | Birmingham - Cranes Park (via Small Heath, Yardley & Sheldon)

61 | Birmingham - Frankley (via Selly Oak & Northfield)

61 | Wolverhampton - Goldthorn Park (via Blakenhall)

62 | Wolverhampton - Compton (via Dunstall, Whitmore Reans & Tettenhall)

62A | Wolverhampton - Compton (via Dunstall, Whitmore Reans & Tettenhall)

63 | Birmingham - Frankley (via Selly Oak & Northfield, Longbridge & Rubery)

64 | Nechells - Peddimore, Minworth (via Erdington, The Fort, Bromford & Castle Vale)

65 | Birmingham - Perry Common (via Aston & Short Heath)

66 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Nechells, Star City, Erdington & Boldmere)

67 | Birmingham - Castle Vale (via Aston & Tyburn Road)

68 | Birmingham - Peddimore, Minworth (via Lichfield Road, Tyburn Road & Kingsbury Road)

69 | Walsall - Wolverhampton (via New Cross Hospital, Wood End, New Invention & Beechdale)

70 | Walsall - Bloxwich (via Sainsbury's Beechdale & Dudley`s Fields)

70A | Walsall - Beechdale  

71 | Chelmsley Wood - Sutton Coldfield (via Kingshurst, Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale, Minworth & Walmley)

72 | Chelmsley Wood - Solihull (via Marston Green, Tile Cross, Garretts Green & Sheldon)

73 | Heartlands Hospital - Solihull (via Yardley & Sheldon)

73S | Lode Heath School - Yardley (School service - available to the general public)

74 | Birmingham - Dudley (via Handsworth, West Bromwich & Great Bridge)

76 | Solihull - Northfield (via Shirley, Yardley Wood, Kings Heath, Q.E. Hospital & Weoley Castle)

77 | Walsall - Erdington  (via Streetly, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield and Asda Minworth) 

77A | Walsall - Erdington (via Streetly, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield and Asda Minworth) 

77B | New Oscott - Bishop Walsh School (via Sutton Coldfield, Fairfax & John Willmott Schools & Falcon Lodge) 

77S | John Willmott School - Streetly (via New Oscott and Sutton Coldfield)

78 | Sutton Coldfield - Streetly  (via Four Oaks & Mere Green)

78A | Sutton Coldfield - Kingstanding  (via Good Hope Hospital, Mere Green & Streetly)

79 | Wolverhampton - West Bromwich (via Bilston, Darlaston & Wednesbury)

79A | West Bromwich - Wednesbury Parkway (via Wednesbury)

80 | Birmingham - West Bromwich  (via Ladywood, Cape Hill & Smethwick)

82 | Birmingham - Bearwood (via City Hospital & Cape Hill)

82 | Wolverhampton - Dudley (via Moseley, Bilston, Coseley & Wrens Nest)

87 | Birmingham - Dudley (via City Hospital, Smethwick, Oldbury & Tividale)

89 | Bearwood - West Bromwich (via Cape Hill, Londonderry, Smethwick & Kenrick Park)

94 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Saltley, Washwood Heath, Ward End, Castle Bromwich & Smiths Wood)

95 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Saltley, Washwood Heath, Ward End, Hodge Hill, Shard End & Kingshurst)

96 | Kingstanding - Chelmsley Wood  (via Perry Common, Erdington, The Fort & Castle Bromwich)

97 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Bordesley Green, Heartlands Hospital & Meadway)

100 | Cardinal Griffin Catholic College  (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

101 | Birmingham - Handsworth, The Leveretts (via Jewellery Quarter & Winson Green)

126 | Dudley - Birmingham (via Causeway Green & Bearwood)

159 | Walsall Garage - St Francis of Assisi School (School service - available to the general public)

529 | Wolverhampton - Walsall (via Willenhall)

530 | Wolverhampton - Rocket Pool (via Rough Hills & Bilston)

701 | Leamore - St Thomas More School (School service - available to the general public)

703 | New Invention Fletcher Road - St Thomas More School (School service - available to the general public)

705 | Gillity Village - Barr Beacon School (School service - available to the general public)

710 | Codsall High School - Perton (School service - not available to the general public)

711 | Wolverhampton - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

713 | Wolverhampton - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

714 | Upper Penn - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

751 | Bilston (Hickman Road) - Smestow Academy  (School service - available to the general public)

763 | Wolverhampton - St Regis Church of England Academy  (School service - available to the general public)

784 | Pendeford - St Regis Church of England Academy  (School service - available to the general public)

788 | Walsall - Barr Beacon School (School service - available to the general public)

793 | Bushbury, Wood Lane - Compton Park Schools  (School service - available to the general public)

794 | Stafford Road, Three Tuns - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

813 | Kingsbury Road John Willmott and Fairfax Schools   (School service - available to the general public)

814 | Marsh Hill - John Willmott and Fairfax Schools  (School service - available to the general public)

815 | Sutton Coldfield to Aston Station (School service - available to the general public)

822 | Birmingham - King Edward VI Five Ways School (School service - available to the general public)

829 | Birmingham - St. Paul's RC Girls School (School service - available to the general public)

855 | Bishop Walsh School - Sutton Coldfield (School service - available to the general public)

863 | Yardley Wood Garage - Light Hall School  (School service - available to the general public)

877 | Yardley - St Peters RC School (School service - available to the general public)

878 | St Thomas Aquinas School - Frankley   (School service - available to the general public)

881 | Walsall - Barr Beacon School (School service - available to the general public)

889 | Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst - Yardley (School service - available to the general public)

891 | Coleshill School - Yardley (School service - available to the general public)

907 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Perry Barr, College Road, New Oscott & Boldmere)

907A | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Aston, Perry Barr, College Road, New Oscott & Boldmere)

934 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding & Pheasey)

935 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding & Streetly)

936 | Birmingham - Brownhills (via Perry Barr Kingstanding, Pheasey, Aldridge & Walsall Wood)

937 | Birmingham - Brownhills  (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding, Streetly, Aldridge & Walsall Wood)

937A | Birmingham - Brownhills (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding, Streetly, Aldridge & Walsall Wood)

997 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Perry Barr, Old Oscott, Streetly, Aldridge & Rushall)

X1 | Birmingham - Coventry (via Yardley, Sheldon, Birmingham International Airport, NEC & Meriden)

X2 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Yardley & Sheldon)

X3 | Birmingham - Lichfield (via Aston Expressway, Erdington, Sutton Coldfield, Mere Green & Hill Hook

X4 | Birmingham - Falcon Lodge (via Aston Expressway, Erdington, Sutton Coldfield & Good Hope Hospital)

X5 | Birmingham - Roughley (via Aston Expressway, Erdington, Sutton Coldfield & Mere Green)

X8 | Wolverhampton - Birmingham (via Coseley, Dudley, Blackheath & Bearwood)

X10 | Gornal Wood - Birmingham (via Russells Hall Hospital, Merry Hill, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & Bearwood)

X12 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Bromford Estate, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham International Airport & NEC)

X13 | Birmingham City Centre - Chelmsley Wood (via Bromford Estate, Castle Bromwich, Water Orton & Coleshill)

X14 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Good Hope Hospital, Falcon Lodge, Walmley & Aston Expressway)

X15 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Erdington, Walmley & Reddicap Heath)

X21 | Birmingham - Bartley Green (via Birmingham University, Selly Oak & Weoley Castle)

X22 | Birmingham - Bartley Green  (via Birmingham University, California, Woodgate & Kitwell)

X51 | Birmingham - Cannock (via Great Barr, Walsall & Bloxwich)

X64 | Birmingham - Peddimore, Minworth (via Erdington, The Fort & Castle Vale)

FD | Birmingham - Fort Dunlop (via Star City)

SFA1 | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College - Wilnecote (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

SFA2 | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College - Wilnecote  (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

1 | Dudley - Tettenhall Wood   (via Sedgley & Wolverhampton)

2 | Warstones - Bushbury Hill   (via Penn Fields, Wolverhampton & Fallings Park)

2 | Wrens Nest - Merry Hill   (via Brierley Hill, Russells Hospital and Dudley)

3 | West Bromwich - Merry Hill   (via Oldbury, Portway, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

3 | Fordhouses - Castlecroft   (via Stafford Road, Wolverhampton & Merridale Road)

3 | Streetly - Lichfield   (via Hook Hill & Shenstone)

4 | Walsall - Blackheath   (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich & Oldbury)

4 | i54 - Wolverhampton   (via Pendeford & Stafford Road)

4H | Walsall - Hayley Green   (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Halesowen)

4M | Walsall - Merry Hill   (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

5 | West Bromwich - Sutton Coldfield   (via Great Barr, Kingstanding & New Oscott)

5 | Wolverhampton - Codsall   (via Whitmore Reans & Bilbrook)

6 | Walsall - Sutton Coldfield   (via Aldridge, Little Aston & Mere Green)

6 | Wolverhampton - Wobaston   (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford & i54)

6 | Dudley - Stourbridge   (via Russells Hall Hospital, Brierley Hill & Amblecote)

6A | Wolverhampton - Wobaston   (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford, Pendeford Business Park & i54)

7 | Birmingham - Perry Common   (via Newtown, Aston & Witton)

7 | Dudley - Wollaston   (via Merry Hill, Pedmore & Stourbridge)

7S | Aldridge School - Walsall   (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

8 | Wolverhampton - Wollaston Farm   (via Coseley, Dudley, Merry Hill & Stourbridge)

8A | Birmingham Inner Circle (Anticlockwise ) (via Aston Cross, Newtown, Hockley, Jewellery Quarter, Five Ways, Highgate, Small Heath & Saltley)

8C | Birmingham Inner Circle (Clockwise)   (via Saltley, Small Heath, Highgate, Five Ways, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Newtown & Aston Cross)

9 |   Birmingham - Stourbridge   (via Bearwood, Quinton & Halesowen)

9A | Shire Oak School - Walsall   (School service - available to the general public)

10 | Walsall - Brownhills   (via Rushall & Shelfield)

10 | Wolverhampton - Perton   (via Compton & Tettenhall Wood)

10A | Wolverhampton - Pattingham   (via Compton, Tettenhall Wood & Perton)

11 | Dudley - Walsall   (via Wednesbury & Powis Avenue)

11 | Wolverhampton - Underhill   (via Fallings Park & The Scotlands)

11A | Birmingham Outer Circle (Anticlockwise via via Erdington, Perry Barr, Bearwood, Harborne, Kings Heath & Acocks Green )

11A | Dudley - Walsall   (via Myvod, Wednesbury & Gospel Oak)

11S | Archbishop Ilsley School - Erdington   (School service - available to the general public)

12 | Dudley - Birmingham   (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

12A | Dudley - Birmingham   (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

13 | Birmingham - Oldbury   (via Bearwood & Langley)

13A | Birmingham - Blackheath   (via Bearwood & Brandhall)

14 | Foxyards Estate - Halesowen   (via Dudley, Blackheath & Quinton)

14A | Dudley - Merry Hill   (via Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

15 | Wolverhampton - Merry Hill   (via Spring Hill, Wombourne, Kingswinford & Bromley)

16 | Birmingham - Great Barr   (via Hockley, Handsworth Wood & Hamstead)

16 | Wolverhampton - Stourbridge   (via Penn Road, Wombourne, Swindon, Kingswinford & Wordsley)

17 | Birmingham - Tile Cross   ( via Small Heath, Hob Moor Road, Yardley & Garretts Green )

18 | Yardley Wood - Bartley Green   (via Cotteridge & Northfield)

19 | Dudley - Q.E. Hospital   (via Netherton, Old Hill, Halesowen, Worlds End & Harborne)

20 | QE Hospital - Bromsgrove   (via Selly Oak, Northfield, Longbridge & Rubery)

24 | Dudley - Merry Hill   (via Springfield, Blackheath, Rowley Regis Hospital, Dudley Wood & Cradley Heath)

25 | Wolverhampton - Pendeford / Pendeford Business Park   (via Goldthorn Park, Bilston, Willenhall, Wednesfield & i54)

27 | Frankley - Yardley Wood   (via Kings Heath, Stirchley, Bournville & Northfield )

28 | Heartlands Hospital - Great Barr   (via Ward End, Castle Bromwich, Erdington, Old Oscott & Perry Beeches)

29 | Walsall - Bloxwich   (via Harden & Blakenall)

31 | Walsall - Mossley   (via Bloxwich)

32 | Walsall - Lower Farm   (via Bloxwich)

32 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Clockwise)   (via Fordhouse Road & Bushbury Lane)

33 | Birmingham - Pheasey   (via Perry Barr & Kingstanding)

33 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Anticlockwise)   (via Bushbury Lane & Fordhouse Road)

34 | Walsall - Bilston   (via Darlaston & Rough Hay)

35 | Walsall - St Francis of Assisi College   (via Rushall)

36 | Walsall - Alumwell   (via Manor Hospital)

37 | Walsall - Willenhall   (via Darlaston & Lodge Farm)

39 | Walsall - Stowlawn   (via Darlaston, Moxley & Bilston)

40 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury   (via Stone Cross & Friar Park)

41 | Walsall - Willenhall   (via Lodge Farm & New Invention)

43 | West Bromwich - Bilston   (via Greets Green, Great Bridge & Princes End)

44 | West Bromwich - Harvills Hawthorn   (via Hill Top)

47 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury   (via Hateley Heath)

48 | West Bromwich - Q.E. Hospital   (via Londonderry, Bearwood & Harborne)

48A | West Bromwich - Bearwood   (via Warley)

49 | West Bromwich - Bearwood   (via Langley, Causeway Green & Brandhall)

49 | Solihull - Rubery, Great Park   (via Shirley, Maypole, Kings Norton, West Heath & Longbridge)

68 | Birmingham - Peddimore,   Minworth (via Lichfield Road, Tyburn Road & Kingsbury Road)

77 | Walsall - Erdington   (via Streetly, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield and Asda Minworth) 

77B | New Oscott - Bishop Walsh School (via Sutton Coldfield, Fairfax & John Willmott Schools & Falcon Lodge)

78 | Sutton Coldfield - Streetly   (via Four Oaks & Mere Green)

96 | Kingstanding - Chelmsley Wood   ( via Perry Common, Erdington, The Fort & Castle Bromwich )

100 |  Cardinal Griffin Catholic College   (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

763 | Wolverhampton - St Regis Church of England Academy   (School service - available to the general public)

793 | Bushbury, Wood Lane - Compton Park Schools   (School service - available to the general public)

813 | Kingsbury Road John Willmott and Fairfax Schools     (School service - available to the general public)

814 | Marsh Hill - John Willmott and Fairfax Schools   (School service - available to the general public)

X22 | Birmingham - Bartley Green  (via Birmingham University, California, Woodgate & Kitwell )

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Industrial Action

Starts 6 May 2024 until 11 May 2024

Last updated: 22 April 2024

What’s happening?

ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, has announced strike action at West Midlands Trains on Wednesday 8 May, and an overtime ban between Monday 6 May and Saturday 11 May 2024. 

There will be no West Midlands Railway trains operating on Wednesday 8 May 2024.

Check with West Midlands Trains for details of affected local services and disruption to timetables during this period.

Other regional train operators will also strike on different days during the announced period of strike action as follows:

Avanti West Coast -  Wednesday 8 May

London North Western - Wednesday 8 May

Chiltern Railways - Wednesday 8 May

CrossCountry - Wednesday 8 May

Transport for Wales Railway are not affected by strike action, for information on other UK Rail operators check with National Rail Enquires .

Useful Rail Websites

West Midlands Railway

CrossCountry Trains

Avanti West Coast

London North Western

Chiltern Railways

Transport for Wales

National Rail Enquiries

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro services are affected by nightly planned engineering works

Latest Works

Travel tips.

You will still be able to get to where you need to go, but consider the following:

• Get a refund or compensation

Stay up to date

Stay up to date with the latest works

National Express bus strike live as pay deal ends stand off

Striking drivers voted in favour of a huge new pay deal today (March 25)

• Updated 16:02, 25 MAR 2023

Bus drivers at National Express West Midlands have voted in favour of the latest pay deal - bringing an end to days of bitter dispute. The strike is officially over after drivers voted in favour of a 16.2 percent pay rise.

Industrial action began on Monday (March 20) this week, when 3,100 National Express drivers 'downed tools' in a dispute over pay. They previously rejected an 'improved offer' of a 14.3 per cent pay increase.

The agreed 16.2 percent pay increase is among the best pay rises of any sector, National Express said. A spokesperson for National Express West Midlands said this afternoon, March 25: “We are pleased that the drivers have voted in favour of accepting the offer.

“We apologise to our customers and the communities we serve for the significant disruption and inconvenience this has caused over the last few weeks. We are pleased to be able to put this behind us and focus on delivering a bus service that customers can rely on.”

Unite union hailed the end of the strike as a victory. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important win for Unite members. By standing together our members at National Express secured an above inflation pay offer.

“Unite will leave no stone unturned to defend workers' pay. This is yet another example of how Unite’s relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions results in real 'money in the pockets' of our members.”

A limited service remains in place today and tomorrow for passengers across the city, Solihull, and wider region.

This is a live blog, stay with us as we bring you the latest on this major story.

• Are buses back to normal on Monday? 15:44
• Unite statement as union hails victory 13:38
• Strike ends as bus drivers accept pay rise 13:06
• When can we expect the result of pay ballot? 12:36
• Details of skeleton service running in Birmingham and Black Country 10:45

Industrial action in pictures

It has been a week of historic strike action in the West Midlands. Here are just some of the pictures from the picket line in Birmingham.

Industrial action began on Monday (March 20) this week, and will officially end on Sunday (March 26) now that drivers have accepted the pay deal. Read more about that deal here.

Are buses back to normal on Monday?

So now that strike action is officially over - when do buses return to normal across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull? A reduced service will run today and tomorrow on Sunday March 26. NX said a normal service on Monday, March 27, read more here.

BirminghamLive readers react to today's news

Hundreds of BirminghamLive readers have reacted to today's news that bitter bus strikes across the West Midlands are over.

Commenting on our Facebook page, Emma Matthews wrote: "Good I'm glad they stood for what's right. National express is a private company so you cannot compare them striking and their percentage to NHS nurses and doctors etc. It's completely different. I'm glad they fought for what's right."

Kevin Ankrett added: "I hope they understand as much as they don't deserve abuse if they're late or miss a stop within the first week or so public will be at them with pitchforks."

If you're just joining us - a reminder of the deal accepted by drivers today

Striking National Express West Midlands drivers have today voted in favour of a 16.2 percent pay rise. It means bitter strike action will officially end from from Sunday March 26 now that drivers have accepted the pay deal. To take a closer look at the result of the 48 hour ballot, read our full story here.

Brummies say "fair play" but send message to freshly victorious drivers

Brummies have had a lot to say to victorious National Express bus drivers - who have this afternoon, March 25, accepted a healthy 16.2 percent pay deal. Read how BirminghamLive readers reacted to this afternoon's news, here.

Details of pay deal that drivers voted for

3,100 members voted in favour of a 16.2 percent pay rise - heralding the end of week-long industrial action and travel chaos across the West Midlands.

The offer includes a one-year 16.2 per cent pay increase and improvements to the drivers’ accident pay and hourly rates for working over the Christmas holidays. National Express has also guaranteed to implement new terms and conditions that were agreed with Unite in November last year, a key sticking point in the dispute.

The strike will officially end on Sunday (March 26) now that drivers have accepted the pay deal.

Unite statement as union hails victory

The union backing the striking National Express West Midlands drivers have hailed the end of the strike as a victory. On Saturday, 3,100 members voted in favour of a 16.2 percent pay rise heralding the end of week-long industrial action and travel chaos across the West Midlands. Read Unite's full statement here.

So - what now?

Bus drivers at National Express West Midlands have voted in favour of the latest pay deal - bringing an end to bitter industrial action. Buses are due to go back to normal soon, for more details read the full update here.

Strike ends as bus drivers accept pay rise

Striking National Express West Midlands drivers have voted in favour of a 16.2 percent pay rise - bringing days of industrial action and travel chaos across the West Midlands to an end. News broke this afternoon that the result of a 48 hour ballot saw drivers accept the pay deal offered to them by NX. Read the full story here.

When can we expect the result of pay ballot?

More than 3,000 bus drivers, who have been on strike all week, finish voting today on whether to end industrial action and accept a new 16.2 percent pay increase deal.

We can expect to hear the results of that vote later this afternoon.

'Among the best pay rises of any sector'

NX West Midlands said an improved 16.2 percent pay offer to their bus drivers is 'very fair and decent.'

An NX West Midlands spokesperson said: “This is a very fair and decent offer - among the best pay rises of any sector, anywhere in the country. We encourage all our drivers to accept the offer and get the West Midlands moving again.”

The spokesperson said they were pleased to have reached an agreement with Unite that is going to be "fully recommended to its members." Drivers were balloted on Friday and Saturday.

Thousands of Brummies react to pay offer

Thousands of BirminghamLive readers reacted to Thursday's news that National Express drivers were offered a hefty 16.2% pay rise in a bid to get them back to work.

Readers reacted in their droves to the pay offer news. Margaret Yvonne Mary Pocock wrote on our Facebook page: "Brilliant news. Hope the new terms and conditions are better than before.. I'm hoping split shifts are completely removed. Better working conditions for our drivers and protection with support."

Michael Dwyer joked: "I think it’s time to become a bus driver!!"

Karen Godwin said simply: "They better take it." Kerri Murray wrote: "Brilliant news better conditions and pay for our drivers."

Ali Rauf chimed in: "Well they held Birmingham down and well deserved so why not, everyone should be fighting for a pay rise it’s not a race to the bottom, so well done to bus drivers."

Read more on the fierce debate here.

Buses to BHX also impacted

Birmingham Airport buses are also impacted by the strikes. BHX live feed wrote on Twitter: "X1 and X12 impacted. Please bear this in mind when planning your journey to the airport."

West Midlands Metro not accepting NX bus tickets

West Midlands Metro have said there is no NX ticket acceptance in place on their services as strikes continue. A spoksperson said: "We ask our customers not to purchase Metro+NX bus ticket from March 20 Trams are will be busier so please allow more time for travel."

Details of skeleton service running in Birmingham and Black Country

National Express West Midlands is running a skeleton service of 12 bus routes today on the sixth consecutive day of strike action. The limited service this Saturday, March 25, means only one dozen buses will be running in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull .

Read the full timetable here.

Bus strike explained as decision looms

So just how did we get here? Industrial action began on Monday (March 20) this week, when 3,100 National Express drivers 'downed tools' in a dispute over pay.

Unite Union said last week that between 2018 and 2021, average pay at National Express for West Midlands’ bus workers fell by 'six percent in real terms' with the 'gap increasing even further in 2022' due to the jump in inflation. it said a bus drivers' salary starts at £11.80 an hour , rising to £14 after three years of service.

Drivers were offered an 11 percent pay rise, plus a 2.3 percent one-off payment . That was rejected, with an improved offer of 14.3 percent also turned down. A new 16.2 percent pay rise has now been tabled with drivers having until midday on Saturday (March 25) to decide if that is acceptable.

An NX West Midlands spokesperson previously said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Unite that is going to be fully recommended to its members and will be balloted on Friday and Saturday. Subject to a positive ballot, we are intending to operate a reduced service from Sunday, March 26 and a normal service from Monday, March 27. We are very sorry to customers for the disruption this week.”

It is understood Unite the Union has recommended its members accept the deal to end the dispute.

Pensioner, 86, says 'insane' bus strike should 'never be allowed'

A pensioner with mobility issues has hit out at striking National Express West Midlands bus drivers, saying the services provide him with a lifeline. The furious 86-year-old contacted BirminghamLive and said: "I along with many thousands of similar older people who don't possess cars or mobility scooters and depend absolutely on bus travel.

"It's not an option to be without such bus travel. In my angry view, no strike action like this on bus travel should never be allowed. Buses are a fundamental requirement for the population of a large city like this, and denial of it - without specified periods should not be allowed.

"People can surely take strike action in a more humane way and not impact old and infirm people's lives like this. I cannot get to my doctor's surgery or bank. I have a parcel to collect, with no means of travel unless paying for a taxi.

"This kind of strike action has an impact that is being ignored in a shocking way. A news report I watched referenced the difficulty of schoolchildren getting to school. That is nothing besides how older people's lives are impacted. Such strike action is unacceptable."

Are National Express services running today?

After days of travel chaos, we await the result of the pay ballot on striking National Express West Midlands drivers. Drivers have been offered a new 16.2 percent pay rise by the bus operator and today, March 25, is the last day they can vote.

Today is day six of strike action, which means a reduced bus service.

Check every bus service running today, March 25, here.

Rishi Sunak vows to crush strikes

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in town yesterday, March 24, and vowed to prevent widespread disruption witnessed this week during the West Midlands bus strikes . He insisted the chaos they had caused was "not right". Read the full story here.

Good morning on decision day

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as we await the result of the ballot on striking drivers. Today is the last day for them to vote on a healthy 16.2% pay rise - with the results expected shortly after that. Read why drivers are striking, here.

• National Express
• Most Recent

May train strikes: How will the next rail drivers’ walk-out affect passengers?

N ational rail strikes by train drivers will enter a third summer with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, during May .

Members of the Aslef union aim to halt thousands of trains on 7, 8 and 9 May 2024 – with commuters who normally go to the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday among the targets.

The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay.

In addition, six days of overtime bans will cause further cancellations from 6 to 11 May. The first day is the early May bank holiday, while the last coincides with Take That performing in Manchester .

The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit passengers in April .

Industrial action by Aslef train drivers in their dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies.

During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly hospitality businesses.

Taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy. Over the course of a year, that amounts to £2.8bn in addtional public cash.

The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement.

Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends.

For passengers, these are the key questions and answers.

Which rail firms are involved?

Aslef is in dispute with the 14 train operating companies (TOCs) that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services. They are:

Intercity operators:

CrossCountry

East Midlands Railway

Great Western Railway (GWR)

TransPennine Express

Southeast England commuter operators:

Greater Anglia

GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)

Southeastern

South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight)

Operators focusing on the north of England, the Midlands and links from London

Chiltern Railways

Northern Trains

West Midlands Railway (including London Northwestern Railway)

When are the train drivers walking out?

Drivers belonging to the Aslef union will strike in the following pattern:

Tuesday 7 May

C2C, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway. Commuters around London comprise the main target.

Wednesday 8 May

Avanti West Coast , Chiltern, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry. The aim is to cause maximum disruption on key intercity lines as well as Midland commuter services.

Thursday 9 May

LNER , Northern and TransPennine Express. This is aimed at users of the East Coast main line and passengers in the North of England and southern Scotland.

What are the predicted effects at each operator?

The Night Riviera sleeper train from London to Penzance and the Gatwick Express from London to the Sussex airport will be cancelled throughout the industrial action period.

For other operators, these are the probable service patterns – though travellers should check shortly before their planned journeys. Where trains are running, the normal hours of operation are likely to be curtailed.

Disruption is also likely on days before and after strike days. TransPennine Express says: “Plan carefully for any rail journeys as services may start later and finish earlier than usual.”

Greater Anglia will run to and from London Liverpool Street to Stansted airport, Southend, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

Southern will run a shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport.

Thameslink will run a shuttle service between London St Pancras and Luton (town and airport stations).

Great Northern will run a shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

South Western Railway will run between London Waterloo, Woking and Guildford, with some other suburban services likely.

Southeastern will passengers not to travel, but is likely to run services between London St Pancras and Ashford on the high-speed line; Charing Cross and Orpington; and London Bridge and Dartford.

C2C will cancel all services.

Five train operators – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry – are likely to cancel all train services.

GWR will run no long-distance trains, but will connect Reading with Oxford and Basingstoke, as well as a link from Bristol to Cardiff and some branch routes in Devon and Cornwall. The company says: “Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.”

Northern and TransPennine Express will cancel all services. LNER will run a skeleton service on core lines between around 7am and 7pm. Its main Edinburgh-Newcastle-York-London line will have at least one train an hour, with some additional trains on the southern part of the network.

What about the overtime ban?

Members are also refusing to work their rest days from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May, inclusive. As many rail firms depend on drivers working overtime, hundreds – possibly thousands – of trains will be cancelled.

Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway will run a reduced timetable on each day of the overtime ban.

GWR typically says the overtime ban will cause “some short-notice alterations and cancellations, especially at weekends or late at night”.

But Southeastern says: “We expect to run our full service during this time, except for Tuesday 7 May, which is the strike day on our network.”

Which rail firms are not involved?

Some publicly funded train operators will run normally: ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth line) and Merseyrail.

“Open-access” operators on the East Coast main line – Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo – are unaffected. But many of their services will be crowded on days of industrial action. They duplicate journeys of strike-hit companies, including LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Northern.

What is at stake in the dispute?

The train drivers demand a pay rise to reflect high levels of inflation since they last won a pay award; Aslef says some members have not had an increase for five years.

But the government insists that even a modest pay increase is contingent on radical changes to long-standing working arrangements in order to reduce costs – and the huge subsidies the railway is currently receiving from the taxpayer.

Since the pandemic, travel patterns have changed. Ticket revenue is about one-fifth down on pre-Covid levels. As taxpayers will foot the eventual bill for the train drivers’ pay rise, the Treasury as well as the Department for Transport will sign off any deal.

Ministers believe train drivers’ terms and conditions are part of the problem. To keep costs down, they must accept changes to how they work, such as making Sunday part of the working week everywhere.

On 27 April 2023 the Rail Delivery Group offered a pay increase of 4 plus 4 per cent over two years covering the 2022 and 2023 pay awards – subject to a host of changes on terms and conditions, covering a wide range of issues including driver training, Sunday working, sick pay and new technology.

The union say this is completely unacceptable. The train drivers will negotiate on changes, but only after they get a decent no-strings pay offer on top of their current pay.

They believe the money will be found to meet their demands, as it always has been in the past. Aslef has also always “sold” reforms to working arrangements for an extra few per cent on their pay and does intend to change that process.

Meanwhile, the corrosion in confidence among travellers continues, with no rail passenger able to plan journeys more than two weeks ahead – that being the minimum notice the union must give for industrial action.

What do the employers and government say?

A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group said: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aslef leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running.

“We continue to seek a fair agreement with the Aslef leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn’t taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef’s leadership are acting like a broken record – calling for strike action time and time again while remaining the only rail union continuing to strike, as well as the only union refusing to put a fair and reasonable pay offer to its members for over a year.

“The transport secretary and rail minister have done their part to facilitate this pay offer- one which would take train drivers’ salaries up to an average of £65,000 which is almost twice the average salary in the UK.

“Aslef bosses should take the lead of the other rail unions, put this offer to their members and stop their campaign of contempt for passengers.”

What does the union say?

The general secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, said: “It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies – and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.”

He said that negotiations were last held on 26 April 2024.

“Since then train drivers have voted, again and again, to take action to get a pay rise. That’s why Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable. They don’t. And that offer – now a year old – is dead in the water.

“Our pay deals at these companies ran out in 2019. Train drivers at these TOCs have not had an increase in salary for five years. That is completely wrong. The employers – and the government – think we are going to give up and run away. They’re wrong. In the words of Tom Petty, we won’t back down …”

When will the strikes finally be over?

The working assumption is now that it will take a change of government. No prime minister since Margaret Thatcher has demonstrated such contempt for Britain’s railway as Rishi Sunak. On the eve of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow , he announced the halving of Air Passenger Duty on domestic routes – encouraging travellers to switch from rail to air.

Tearing up years of cross-party agreement, the prime minister scrapped plans for HS2 north of Birmingham and demanded a swift sell-off of protected land to ensure the project could not be resurrected. And Mr Sunak has tolerated 18 months of intermittent strikes by train drivers with no apparent appetite for a settlement.

What does the Labour Party say?

Louise Haigh, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “It is a staggering dereliction of duty that the transport secretary hasn’t got around the table with the unions to try to resolve it since the Christmas before last.

“Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers. If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldn’t still be having strikes on our railways.”

How much has all the disruption cost?

According to the RDG, industrial action from June 2022 up until mid-January 2024 cost the rail sector around £775m in lost revenue. That does not include the impact of the most recent strikes and overtime bans, which probably add a further £200m to the losses.

UKHospitality estimates the lost business for places to eat, drink and stay amounts to almost £5 billion. Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s chief executive, says: “Ongoing strike action hurts businesses, prevents people from getting to work and significantly erodes confidence in the rail network.”

In addition, there is an unknowable loss of revenue from passengers who have adjusted their lifestyles or found alternative forms of transport; businesses that have stopped making trips and are using online communication instead; and people trimming back on travel because of the lack of certainty.

What about the new minimum service levels law?

Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service. The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims “to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action”.

No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers’ union. LNER said it might do so earlier this year, and opened consultations. Aslef immediately called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off.

The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: “There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable.”

The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working – so there would be no benefit in imposing the law when an overtime ban is in force.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

Elektrostal, Russia

Region: Moscow Oblast

Geographic coordinates: 55.783300, 38.466700, temperature range: -40.0°c to 30.0°c (-40°f to 86°f), climate: cold and snowy winters, mild summers with occasional heat waves., population: 158508, language: russian.

Elektrostal, Located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, Is a city known for its industrial heritage and diverse economy. With a population of around 150, 000 people, It lies approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow. Founded in 1916 as an industrial center for steel and metal production, Elektrostal’s most notable landmark is the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant (EMZ). The plant produces various steel products including railway wheels, Pipes, Wire rod, And sheet metal. Apart from its industrial significance, Elektrostal offers several cultural attractions that are worth visiting.

The Museum-Estate Kuskovo features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the 18th century. Lake Senezh – a large freshwater lake outside Elektrostal’s city limits – provides opportunities for swimming, Boating or fishing during summer months. Elektrostal also has several parks where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Gorky Park features walking paths along with sports facilities like tennis courts and basketball courts. Public transport within Elektrostal itself is convenient with numerous bus routes connecting different parts within the city limits as well as nearby towns like Noginsk or Dmitrovskiy Districts in Moscow Region.

Overall Elektrostal offers visitors an interesting mix of industrial heritage, Cultural attractions and natural beauty making it definitely worth a visit whether you’re interested in learning about Russia’s steel industry or simply want to enjoy the outdoors.

Important Landmarks

• The Museum of Local Lore – it showcases the history and culture of the town.
• The Church of St. Nicholas – a beautiful Orthodox church built in the 19th century.
• Victory Park – a large park with several monuments dedicated to World War II heroes.
• Ice Palace Vityaz – a modern ice arena that hosts various sports events and concerts.
• Elektrostal Central Park – a popular spot for picnics, walking, and outdoor activities.
• The Monument to Soviet Soldiers – located in Victory Square, it honors soldiers who died during World War II.
• Elektrostal History Museum – displays artifacts from ancient times to present day including photographs, documents, paintings etc.,
• Kuzminsky Park- A beautiful park with greenery all around perfect for spending some quality time with family or friends

Primary Industries

• Metallurgical Industry: Elektrostal is renowned for its steel production industry that involves the manufacturing of steel pipes, wires, sheets and other metal products.
• Chemical Industry: The city boasts several chemical plants that produce chemicals such as ammonia, fertilizers and plastics.
• Machinery Industry: Elektrostal has a significant machinery industry that produces machine tools, mining equipment and other industrial machinery.
• Construction Materials Industry: There are several cement factories in the city producing cement and concrete products.
• Food Processing Industry: Several food processing plants operate within the city producing dairy products, meat products and other food items.
• Energy Sector: The city houses a thermal power plant which supplies electricity to the region.
• Retail and Service Sector: Additionally, there is a well-developed retail sector with shopping centers, supermarkets and small shops catering to the local population’s needs.

Noteable History

• The city was founded in 1916 as a center for steel production during World War I.
• During World War II, Elektrostal played a crucial role in supplying the Soviet army with weapons and ammunition.
• In 1957, the first nuclear power plant in Russia was built near Elektrostal.
• The city is known for producing high-quality steel that is used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.
• Notable people from Elektrostal include Olympic gold medalist figure skater Irina Slutskaya and former Russian Prime Minister Sergei Kiriyenko.
• In recent years, the city has undergone significant modernization efforts to improve its infrastructure and attract new businesses to the area.

Museums and Things To See

• Museum of Local Lore: This museum showcases the history and culture of Elektrostal and the surrounding region.
• Victory Park: A large park dedicated to the victory in World War II, with monuments, memorials, and a military museum.
• Church of St. Nicholas: A beautiful Orthodox church with stunning frescoes and icons.
• The House-Museum of V.V.Vorovsky: This museum is dedicated to the revolutionary leader Vorovsky who lived in Elektrostal for a time.
• The Central Culture and Leisure Park: A popular park with various attractions like amusement rides, sports facilities, cafes etc.
• The Monument to the First Builders of Elektrostal: This monument commemorates those who built the city’s first industrial complex.
• Art Gallery Art-El: An art center featuring works by local artists as well as exhibitions from around Russia and beyond.
• Museum Elektrosvet: A unique museum showcasing lighting equipment from various periods starting from 19th century till present day.

Cultural Events

• City Day Celebration: This festival is held annually on the first weekend of September to celebrate the founding of Elektrostal.
• International Festival The World of Dance: A dance festival featuring performances from various countries around the world.
• Folklore Kaleidoscope Festival: A cultural event showcasing traditional folk music, dance, and costumes from different regions of Russia.
• Art-Electro Festival: An art exhibition featuring works by local artists as well as artists from other parts of Russia.
• Jazz Festivals: There are several jazz festivals held throughout the year in Elektrostal which feature performances by local and international jazz musicians.

• Shashlychnaya No. 1 – A restaurant specializing in shashlik (Russian kebabs) and other grilled meats.
• Cafe U Dvukh Medvedey – A cozy cafe serving traditional Russian dishes like borscht, pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes).
• Pivnaya Apteka – A beer bar with a wide selection of craft beers from Russia and around the world.
• Kebab House – A fast-food chain offering various types of kebabs, falafel wraps, and salads.
• Cafe Podkova – Another cozy cafe serving Russian dishes like beef stroganoff, chicken Kiev, and dumplings with different fillings.
• Restaurant Kolbasny Dom – A meat lover’s paradise with various types of sausages, smoked meats, and steaks on the menu.
• Sushi Master – For those who crave Japanese cuisine; this sushi restaurant offers fresh sushi rolls and sashimi plates.
• Pizzeria Mama Mia!- If you’re in the mood for Italian food; this pizzeria offers delicious pizzas made from scratch using fresh ingredients.
• Cafe Kamelot- A cozy café serving traditional Russian dishes such as borscht soup,pelmeni (dumplings),and vareniki(boiled dumplings).
• Restaurant “Gagarin”- Named after Yuri Gagarin; this restaurant serves European cuisine including steaks,pasta,and salads along with exotic cocktails to choose from!

Parks and Recreation

• Central Park of Culture and Rest
• Park of the 50th Anniversary of Victory
• Park of the 300th Anniversary of Elektrostal
• Sports and Recreation Complex Olympic
• Ice Palace Elektrostal
• Ski resort Krugloye Ozero
• Beach complex Sunny Beach
• Tennis club Elektrostal
• Bowling club Strike
• Paintball club Delta Force

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• Entertainment

Standstill! Find out when rail strikes will impact on your train

Train drivers are to stage a fresh series of strikes in their long-running pay dispute, disrupting travel in the week of the May bank holiday.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276

Members of Aslef will walk out on May 7, 8 and 9 at different operators and ban overtime for six days from May 6.

The West Midlands will be hit on May 8, when drivers at Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry and West Midlands Trains all walk out. I means there are unlikely to be any trains running in our region, apart from those operated by Transport for Wales Rail.

Drivers will strike on May 7 at c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway. Aslef members at LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express will strike on May 9.

The union said it has not met employers or the Government for more than a year, accusing ministers of "giving up" trying to resolve the near two-year dispute.

It said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said that after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said: "It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.

"We first balloted for industrial action in June 2022, after three years without a pay rise. It took eight one-day strikes to persuade the train operating companies (Tocs) to come to the table and talk.

"Our negotiating team met the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) on eight occasions - the last being on Wednesday April 26 last year.

"That was followed by the Tocs' 'land grab' for all our terms and conditions on Thursday April 27 - which was immediately rejected.

"Since then train drivers have voted, again and again, to take action to get a pay rise.

"That's why Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable."

Mr Whelan said the year-old offer of a four per cent pay rise followed by a second four per cent increase is "dead in the water".

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group said: "This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aslef leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running.

"We continue to seek a fair agreement with the Aslef leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn't taking more than its fair share from taxpayers."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Aslef's leadership are acting like a broken record - calling for strike action time and time again while remaining the only rail union continuing to strike, as well as the only union refusing to put a fair and reasonable pay offer to its members for over a year.

"The Transport Secretary and rail minister have done their part to facilitate this pay offer, - one which would take train drivers' salaries up to an average of £65,000 which is almost twice the average salary in the UK.

"Aslef bosses should take the lead of the other rail unions, put this offer to their members and stop their campaign of contempt for passengers."

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