Union boss threatens another half DECADE of disruption as trains grind to a halt today
Aslef chief Mick Whelan has threatened another half a decade of disruption.
PA
Train services have come to a stop today as drivers across the country walk out - but Aslef chief Mick Whelan has threatened another half a decade of disruption.
Aslef represents more than a dozen train companies.
There will be no service across multiple train lines, including Northern, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine, Southern and Thameslink today.
South Western Railway has advised passengers to only travel if "absolutely necessary" today, warning that most of its network will be closed.
Passengers have been advised to check trains before they travel this weekend.
PA
Saturday will see limited service, as Aslef drivers will refuse to work overtime.
Meanwhile, More than 20,000 members of the RMT union will also strike that day, affecting 14 operators.
Fewer than half of trains are expected to run on Saturday.
When asked how much longer disruption will continue for, Whelan told Sky News that it could continue for another five years.
He said: "We've been here 14 months since it first started. If we get to February next year, it will be five years for some of our members - half a decade - without a payrise.
"So if it takes another five years, we'll continue going until we get an equitable solution to the situation."
When asked whether he worries about losing public support, Whelan did not seem phased.
He said: "Well I've be standing here since before 6 o clock this morning. We've had nobody negative, nobody saying anyhthing bad."
The union chief added: "There are loads of people beeping their horns showing their support."
Passengers have been advised to check trains before they travel this weekend.
Blaming the government for the disruption, Whelan said: "The government appears happy to let passengers, and businesses, suffer in the mistaken belief that they can bully us into submission.
"They don't care about passengers, or Britain's railway, but they will not break us.
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Saturday will see limited service, as Aslef drivers will refuse to work overtime.
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"Train drivers at these companies have not had a pay rise for four years, since 2019, while inflation has rocketed."