LONDON — Commuters in northern England faced severe disruption Tuesday as nearly 700 train drivers staged the first of three walkouts in a dispute over disciplinary action, reports a wire service.
Train operator First North Western canceled all its services after the 24-hour strike by members of the train drivers’ union Aslef.
Last month, union members voted by more than 10 to one in favor of the strikes in a long-running dispute over the downgrading and dismissal of a number of its members, including the sacking of a driver who went through two consecutive red lights.
Further strikes are planned for Friday and next Monday.
The union accused First North Western, which runs local services across northwest England, of abusing its disciplinary action procedures.
The union’s general secretary Mick Rix said the company was creating a “culture of blame and faultfinding” and was not exercising any discretion in dealing with individual cases.
The rail operator apologized for any delays to customers, but added that the firm had no option but to dismiss the driver concerned.
“Our passengers have a right to demand safety on our railways and we are not prepared to compromise that basic right,” said managing director Dave Kaye.