Rail strikes justified, says union

The union behind the sixth and final day of strikes on the Newark Castle railway line says its action is justified.

The train driver's union, Aslef, is striking today in an ongoing dispute over pension contributions.

East Midlands Trains services between Nottingham and Lincoln have been cancelled. Rail replacement buses have been provided.

Mr Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said his members were facing uncertain times and strike action was justified.

He said: "It is only reasonable that they should demand a fully protected and funded pension scheme.

"Our members work for the railways for all their lives. They cannot afford to take a short-term view like franchise companies."

East Midlands Trains has reinforced its pledge to protect pension benefits for employees and called on Aslef to work with the company to resolve the dispute.

The trustees of its pension scheme have agreed that extra contributions by the company and employees, which were put in place to clear a previous deficit, are no longer required because the scheme is in good health.

Mr David Horne, managing director for East Midlands Trains, said: “It’s good news for our passengers that no further unnecessary strike action has been announced by Aslef. Now is the time to sit down and resolve this issue for the benefit of everyone."

Aslef's executive committee will consider how to progress the dispute when it meets next week.