Train drivers' strike to disrupt services

?Train passengers in the Black Country and Birmingham were today warned of major disruption due to a strike by staff in the run-up to Christmas.

Drivers on London Midland Trains have announced they will walk out on Thursday, December 23, bringing chaos to services.

The company operates trains through Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley, Stourbridge, Cannock and Birmingham and on to London, Liverpool, and Worcester.

Train drivers' union Aslef confirmed the action will go ahead after members voted in a pay and conditions dispute.

Aslef official Mick Whelan said: "London Midland is made up of two previous franchises, Silverlink and Central Trains.

"We have been negotiating for three years to harmonise the conditions of drivers from the two companies — over 600 in all — but our efforts have been resisted by management.

"Some drivers are being paid £1,200 less than other drivers for doing exactly the same job.

"It is a ludicrous situation and we will be taking strike action to demonstrate the strength of feeling of our membership at London Midland."

A statement on the London Midland website today says the company is "disappointed" at the action which will "significantly disrupt" train services.

It describes Aslef's demands as "unrealistic and unaffordable", saying: "Aslef is seeking a substantial increase in pay and holiday entitlement for our train drivers without any consideration of where the money to pay for this will come from.

"London Midland employs train drivers from two former rail franchises with differing terms and conditions that were protected at the point of transfer.

"Following six months of talks, an outline deal was turned down.

"Aslef's demands are unrealistic and unaffordable in today's financial climate.

"We remain open to discussion."