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We’ve got bad news commuters – the Lizzie line is going to be affected by more strikes over the next month.
Last time the purple line faced strikes (on New Year’s Eve), it was members of the Maritime and Transport union (RMT) who took industrial action. Now its the turn of Aslef trade union members.
Nearly 500 Elizabeth line drivers are walking out for four days at the end of February and into March after Aslef members voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action.
The strike is part of a dispute over pay with MTR Elizabeth line, the people who manage the service (not TfL), with drivers belonging to the union rejecting a 4.5 percent pay increase.
Mick Whelan, Aslef's general secretary, said: ‘Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance, and the value of train drivers in this success.’
Mike Bagshaw, managing director for MTR Elizabeth line, said: ‘We are disappointed that drivers on the Elizabeth line have rejected a 4.5 per cent pay rise and voted for industrial action. The offer would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions.
‘Any potential strike action will be disruptive for those who rely on the Elizabeth line, and we will work closely with Transport for London to ensure customers are informed of alternative travel options.
‘We remain committed to engaging with Aslef in the hope of resolving this dispute.’
Elizabeth line strike dates
Lizzie line staff belonging to Aslef will strike from midnight for 12 hours on the following days:
- Thursday, February 27
- Saturday, March 1
- Saturday, March 8
- Monday, March 10
Affected stations
All Elizabeth stations from Abbey Wood to Heathrow Terminal 4 will be impacted by potential delays caused by the strikes. As a reminder, these are all the stations served by the Lizzie line.
- Abbey Wood
- Woolwich
- Custom House
- Canary Wharf
- Whitechapel
- Liverpool Street
- Farringdon
- Tottenham Court Road
- Bond Street
- Paddington
- Acton Main Line Rail Station
- Ealing Broadway Rail Station
- West Ealing Rail Station
- Hanwell Rail Station
- Southall Rail Station
- Hayes & Harlington Rail Station
- Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 Rail Station
- Heathrow Terminal 4 Rail Station
London tube and train closures this weekend: the full list of travel disruption for February 14-16.
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