Train drivers’ strike under way

Nearly
700 train drivers have staged the first of three walk-outs in a dispute over
disciplinary action.

Commuters
are facing severe disruption after train operator First North Western cancelled
all services due to a 24-hour strike by members of the train drivers’ union
Aslef.

Last
month, union members voted by more than 10 to one in favour of strikes after a
long-running dispute about the downgrading and dismissals of a number of its
members. Two more strikes are planned for Friday and next Monday.

The
dispute was triggered by the sacking of a driver who went through two
consecutive red lights. However, Aslef said it is also protesting against harsh
treatment of other members as well.

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First
North Western apologised for any delays to customers, but says it had no option
but to dismiss the driver concerned as safety is paramount.

By Quentin Reade