Industrial action is affecting Sheffield commuters all week

Train strikes have caused disruption for commuters in Sheffield this week.

Industrial action across the country began on 7 May 2024 with a week-long strike involving 16 train operators, ASLEF confirmed.

Mick Whelan, General Secretary for ASLEF, said: “Train drivers have not had a pay rise for five years. It is completely wrong.

Mr Whelan said the fight for a pay rise comes in response to the growing cost of living crisis.

He added: “Employers – the Government – ​​think we’re going to give up and run. They are wrong.”

Today, staff at TransPennine, Northern Trains and LNER were taking industrial action, leading to disruption and delays.

Sheffield station is heavily served by both Transpienne and Northern, leading to disgruntled passengers.

John Lockwood, 43, from Leeds, said: “The strikes are ridiculous – it’s like one every day.

“My mum is in hospital in Leeds and I can’t even visit her. It’s ridiculous”

Sophie Holland, 21, from Crewe said: “I just missed my train back home because of the strikes. I’m not quite sure when the next one will be.”

She added: “It’s annoying but I understand why they do them. They have to fight to be heard.”

Earlier days this week involved East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways.

The strikes are part of a two-year dispute and have included 14 national one-day strikes.

Mr Whelan said: “It’s been a year since I sat in a room with the rail companies – and a year since I rejected the ridiculous offer they made”

He continued: “Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable. They don’t, and now that offer is dead in the water.”

He believes Transport Secretary Mark Harper is being “dishonest” about his comments about offers made to union members.

While the disruptive strikes ended today, this weekend train operators will refuse to work non-contractual overtime, which is expected to cause further disruption.

Train operators are urging passengers to check before they travel to ensure they will not be affected by the strikes.