LONDON — Train drivers’ union Aslef has warned of further one-day rail strikes in north Wales, which have caused major disruption in the last week, BBC News reports.
Aslef and the RMT union are at loggerheads with First North Western, following three 24-hour industrial disputes in past seven days.
Thousands of passengers on coastal routes were again hit by disruption on Monday as drivers walked out in a protest over the sacking of a driver over alleged safety issues.
An Aslef spokesman said the union wanted to get back round the negotiating table in the “next couple of days”, after talks stalled on Thursday last week.
If no settlement is reached, the unions must give seven days notice of further industrial action.
The Aslef spokesman added: “The dispute will be settled sooner or later, but it is a question of how many strikes the company want before reaching a settlement.
“We made an offer last week to resolve the outstanding issues, but the company have not picked up on that.”
First North Western said it was providing a limited replacement bus service on some routes.
Virgin Trains services between Holyhead and London Euston were also suspended, because the company employs First North Western drivers.
Monday’s walkout is the third in a week – following stoppages last week on Tuesday and Friday.
First North Western offered to meet the unions over the weekend to avert further disruption.
But a company spokeswoman said: “The unions have said they do not want to talk anymore at the moment.
“The ball is in their court – the management want to reach an agreement, but as this centres on a safety issue, there is a line they will not back down on.
“The public reaction to the company’s position over safety has been one of understanding.”
The rail unions have stressed the sacking of a driver needs to be fully addressed before they will call off the action.
The company claims the driver had passed two red lights and was caught exceeding the track speed limit by 10mph.
Aslef and RMT members voted for strike action after a long-running row over the downgrading and dismissals of a number of its members.
The train operator carries 8,000 passengers on the north Wales coastal routes every day.
It operates the biggest train service in north Wales and the north west of England.
Members of the Rail Passengers Committee for Wales have said an agreement should be reached before any permanent damage is done.