Rail passengers in the UK face renewed disruptions as train strikes continue to affect services, particularly on Hull Trains routes. The rail network has experienced periodic strikes since 2022, with the latest industrial action slated to significantly impact travel between Hull and London King’s Cross, via Doncaster and Grantham.
Hull Trains, operated by FirstGroup, will see its drivers, members of the ASLEF union, engage in strike action every Friday and Saturday from March 7 to April 26. This series of strikes, totaling 16 days, includes the Easter weekend, potentially complicating travel plans for thousands.
The strike arises from a dispute over the alleged unfair dismissal of a driver who raised a safety concern, a claim supported by ASLEF. The union maintains that the dismissal was unwarranted and that the driver’s action was in line with safety protocols. Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, emphasised the importance of a safety-first culture in the railway industry, stating that employees should be able to report safety issues without fear of repercussions.
In response, a spokesperson for Hull Trains assured passengers that current services are not disrupted and promised timely updates if the situation changes. The spokesperson defended the company’s actions, reiterating their commitment to safety and stating that the measures taken were appropriate for maintaining high safety standards.
FirstGroup, which also operates Great Western Railway, Lumo, and co-owns Avanti West Coast, faces similar labor challenges with ongoing strikes by train managers on Avanti West Coast every Sunday until June.