UK train drivers announce new strikes in December

Train drivers are set to stage a fresh round of strikes in the UK in their long-running dispute over pay, Report informs referring to BBC.

The Aslef union has announced a "rolling program" of walkouts December 2-8, with different train companies affected on each day.

Drivers will also refuse to work any overtime December 1-9.

Aslef said it was time for a "proper pay rise" but the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents operators, called the action "wholly unnecessary".

UK Hospitality, which represents hospitality businesses, warned the strikes would hit the industry in the "critical festive period", costing it up to 800 million pounds in losses. "Hospitality businesses rely on revenue made during the busy festive period to see them through the fallow months of January to March, so it's essential strikes during December are avoided," said boss Kate Nicholls.

Little progress has been made in the 18-month long row, with Aslef bosses rejecting a pay offer back in spring.

The union has held 14 one-day strikes so far, causing huge disruption to train companies in England, as well as some services which cross borders.