Trade
union Aslef said it is willing to talk with train company First Great Western
to try to prevent a third 48-hour strike by drivers.
Drivers
at First North Western have begun a two-day strike in a dispute over pay after
negotiations broke down last week
Most
First North Western services were cancelled yesterday and today (Wednesday),
although a limited rail replacement bus service is operating.
Train
driver’s union Aslef say bosses at First North Western attached strings to a 19
per cent pay-rise offer, introducing "new and unacceptable" proposals
such as making drivers responsible for picking up litter at stations. First
North Western deny changing the terms of the three-year pay agreement and said
Aslef reneged on the deal.
The
first 48-hour walkout took place on 13 and 14 August, and the next planned
strike is for 10 and 11 September.
