As part of what is a very long-running dispute with the Department for Transport (DfT) over pay and working conditions, train drivers who are members of the ASLEF union have agreed to stage another series of strikes towards the end of this month and the start of the next.
It has been announced that strike action will take place on the nation’s rail networks between Tuesday 30 January and Monday 5 February 2024.
ASLEF members will walk out from 16 train operators over a number of dates throughout that week.
Find out why train drivers are taking strike action and read about the background to the dispute: https://t.co/hyu769ssko
First up, on Tuesday 30 January, members will strike at Southeastern, GTR Southern/Gatwick Express, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, SWR Island Line, and South Western Railway, with Northern Trains and Transpennine Trains to follow on Wednesday 31 January – the latter of which is set to affect much of the North West region.
Then, on Friday 2 February, strikes will be staged on Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER services, before on West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway follow on Saturday 3 February, and Great Western, CrossCountry, and Chiltern close out the week of industrial action on Monday 5 February.
On top of these actual strike dates, an ‘overtime ban’ is also in place for the week, meaning further disruption to usual services is expected as drivers will also refuse to work overtime from Monday 29 January until Tuesday 6 February.
Members of the ASLEF union will stage a series of strikes at the end of this month / Credit: National Rail
ASLEF strike dates January & February 2024
Tuesday 30 January – Southeastern, GTR Southern/Gatwick Express, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, SWR Island Line, South Western Railway Depot Drivers, and South Western Railway mainline drivers
Wednesday 31 January – Northern Trains, and Transpennine Trains
Friday 2 February – Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER
Saturday 3 February – West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway
Monday 5 February – Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and Chiltern
“We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table,” commented Mick Whelan, who is the General Secretary of ASLEF, as the fresh round of train driver strikes were announced yesterday.
“But it has now been a year since we had any contact from the Department for Transport, and it’s clear they do not want to resolve this dispute.
“Many of our members have now not had a single penny increase to their pay in half a decade, during which inflation soared, and with it the cost of living. Train drivers didn’t even ask for an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic when they worked throughout as keyworkers, risking their lives to allow NHS and other workers to travel.
Industrial action is part of a long-running dispute with the Government over pay and working conditions / Credit: Northern
“The Government has now tried their old trick of changing the rules when they can’t win and brought in Minimum Service Levels legislation, but this new law, as we told officials during the consultation period, won’t ease industrial strife – it will likely just make it worse.”
Mr Whelan claimed there’s “no excuse” for the Government’s actions.
“The Government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and work together to ensure the future of our railways,” he concluded.
Featured Image – National Rail
News
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster in a castle near Greater Manchester this summer
Clementine Hall
Are you ready to channel your inner comedian? Great, because Taskmaster is coming up north.
Well…sort of.
The beloved (and hilarious) show is bringing a family-friendly version to Beeston Castle and Gardens, which is a picturesque English Heritage site in the rural Beeston area of Tarporley in Cheshire, and you are invited to try your hand at the wacky tasks yourselves.
From now right up until Sunday 31 August, visitors can take part in the ridiculous challenges inspired by the hit TV show.
In partnership with English Heritage, it’s appropriate for all ages and a fantastic day out for all the family.
Contestants will pick up their score card on arrival before exploring the site and getting involved in tasks along the way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the popular comedy show or a complete newbie, this Taskmaster experience guarantees a hilarious day out in the Cheshire countryside… and don’t worry, Greg Davies and Alex Horne won’t be judging your efforts along the way either – phew.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with the Taskmaster team this summer,” commented Beth Stone, who is the Head of Visitor Engagement and Experience at English Heritage.
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster near Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: Jim Holden (via English Heritage)
“From tasks such as becoming a monarch and making your own laws, to creating your own solstice, our visitors can expect a host of fun with a history twist at many of our properties, and of course, plenty of rubber ducks.”
Alex Horne, creator and star of Taskmaster, added: “It’s nice to go to nice places, but it’s even nicer to do fun things in those nice places – and this should ensure you can do just that for this summer at least.”
To find out more, take a look at English Heritage’s website here.
Featured Image – English Heritage
News
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Croatian cellist and former member of classical band 2CELLOS, Hauser, has announced a tour including an arena date in Manchester this year.
World-class musician Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as Hauser, is getting ready to pack his cello and cheeky smile as he embarks on ‘The Rebel Is Back’ tour.
Hauser has amassed a worldwide cult following of classical music lovers, by not only respecting the genre, but evolving it too by intertwining his cello skills into modern day pop hits.
The cellist has covered lots of current pop songs while part of musical duo 2CELLOS like ‘We Found Love’, ‘Despacito’, and ‘Viva La Vida’.
You can also expect to hear covers of some of music’s greatest compositions, including the timeless opera classic ‘Nessun Dorma’, and highly-adored ballet piece ‘Swan Lake’.
Recently, Hauser has teamed up with London Symphony Orchestra to reimagine Ennio Morricone’s ‘Le Vent, le cri’, taken from the 1981 French film Le Professionnel.
Hauser has performed in over 40 countries and played at some of the most prestigious venues across the world – including Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
He’s also become a social media sensation, capturing people’s attention via his videos playing his cello in a variety of interesting locations like a swimming pool, at the desert, and even on the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year / Credit: Stefan Brending (via Wikimedia Commons)
You’ll be able to identify a lot of the tracks played out when Hauser visits AO Arena, as his upcoming album titled Cinema, features a wide variety of soundtracks and film theme tunes.
The highly-anticipated LP from Hauser contains ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘A Time For Us’ from Romeo and Juliet, alongside lots more motion picture melodies.
The musician is quite familiar with Manchester city city centre too, Hauser studied at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester before taking the classical world by storm.
Emily Sergeant -
16th January 2024 
