LONDON — Train drivers are to stage a series of weekend strikes in their continuing dispute over pay, union officials said Thursday.
Aslef said drivers on First North Western will walkout every weekend from Sept. 28 to Nov. 24, as reported by the Associated Press.
The first 48-hour stoppage will hit delegates traveling to Blackpool in northern England for the Labor party conference, which opens on Sunday Sept. 29.
Train drivers have rejected the offer of a 19 percent pay rise over three years, saying there are unacceptable conditions attached.
First North Western travels to and from northwestern cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool.
Over the last year, Britain’s privatized rail system has been hit by a series of short, localized strikes over pay and safety.