Train drivers’ overtime ban is called off by union
A ban on overtime by drivers at TransPennine Express (TPE) which has hit rail services across the North has been lifted.
Drivers union Aslef had been in dispute with TPE over what it said was a “failure” to recruit enough drivers.
But TPE came under Government control in May and is now run by what is termed the Operator of Last Resort (OLR).
Mick Whelan, Aslef general secretary, said the opportunity to solve the issue through the OLR had been “welcome”.
Whelan told the BBC that union members had “always been prepared to work with the company and agree rest-day working to facilitate the recruitment and training of new drivers”.
“It was regrettable we had to take the action to ban overtime working, as this kind of action is always a last resort,” he said.
Mr Whelan added he hoped Aslef could continue “in the spirit of collaboration and maintain positive industrial relations with the operator” in the future.
Also commenting on the lifting of the overtime ban, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said the Government taking control of the company had been “a reset moment, enabling us to work together to find solutions to problems created by the failing operator.”
She added: “Today’s breakthrough on rest-day working clearly shows progress. I look forward to seeing improvements for passengers in coming months.”
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