Train Trouble in Northern England
So, it turns out the train drivers in northern England decided to go on strike Friday. That means all the trains on the Northern Trains and TransPennine Express routes have been cancelled, and the chaos is set to last into Saturday.
Why the Walkout?
The drivers, organized under Aslef, are demanding a pay raise. They’ve wrapped their work in a ban on overtime and are sticking to the strike until they get the raise they want. Aslef says the crew voted in the majority to keep hitting the brakes on their jobs and will re‑vote every six months if the pay deal stays stuck.
What’s Happening for Passengers?
- All services for Saturday are shut down.
- The timetable for Sunday will change across the north – travelers are advised to double‑check.
- Chief operating officer Tricia Williams says most trains are “as is” from Sunday but urges customers to confirm short connections.
- There’s a “Check My Timetable” guide on the website, provided to keep folks from entering a train depot expecting a train that isn’t there.
What’s the Backstory?
The pay dispute began back in June of last year. For more than a year now, passengers have battled frequent service interruptions, and the strike’s timing means the disruption cruise is now a one‑to‑two‑day detour.
Humor & Heartbeat
Picture this: you’re on a train, all the usual chatter, the coffee bartender tells you—a sigh—“How do you feel about a shift back to 2021 pay?” Meanwhile, your “train buddy” hopeful that the tickets will magically appear from the station vending machine. It’s a mood: clunky, tense, but the folks are hoping for better days. If you’re next to the rails, keep your coffee warm and your phone battery higher. You never know when a train will appear out of nowhere.
