UK: Unionized train drivers plan to strike nationwide, April 4-9; London Underground strike cancelled /update 1

Unionized rail drivers associated with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) labor union plan to strike nationwide April 4-9 to demand increased salaries. However, on April 4 organizers announced that a planned April 8 strike by London Underground staff had been cancelled. Organizers have announced the following actions:

• April 5: Strike on the Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

• April 6: Strike on the Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway (GWR), London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

• April 8: Strike on c2c, Greater Anglia, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and South Western Railway (SWR) Island Line.

Additionally, participants will conduct a work-to-rule between April 4-6 and April 8-9.

Train disruptions, including widespread or complete service cancellations, are likely during each line's individual strike days. Additionally, lower-level disruptions are likely on all train services on April 4-6 and 8-9 due to the work-to-rule action. Picket protests are possible at rail stations and rail operator headquarters; heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near any demonstrations that occur.