Mike Bagshaw, managing director for MTR Elizabeth line, the private firm that operates the £20bn line for Transport for London, said: “We are disappointed that drivers on the Elizabeth line have rejected a 4.5 per cent pay rise and voted for industrial action.
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line - it's a partnership, in practice, between the company and its employees - but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance, and the value of train drivers in this success.”.
Elizabeth line train drivers are to stage a series of strikes in the next few weeks in a dispute over pay, their union Aslef announced on Thursday.
“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.
The walkouts were called after drivers belonging to the union rejected a 4.5 per cent pay increase, according to the line’s managers.
