TransPennine Express and train drivers’ union agree end to overtime ban

Train drivers’ union, ASLEF, has agreed to end a ban on Rest Day Working for its members working for TransPennine Express following the rail operator coming under DfT control last month.

The overtime ban, part of ongoing industrial action between railway unions an train operating companies, came into effect in summer 2022 and has led to widespread disruption on TransPennine Express services, and those of other operators in the North, highlighting failures in driver recruitment. Persistent poor service on TransPennine Express services as a result of staff shortages ultimately led to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Operator of Last Resort taking over the running of the franchise. Since nationalisation in May 2023, however, cancellation levels have not improved due to delays and challenges in transferring drivers over to contracts with the new operators.

Following discussions between ASLEF leadership and the Operator of Last Resort, the trade union has announced an end to the overtime ban, which prevented drivers working on designated ‘rest days’ in their shift patterns, for TransPennine Express drivers. The move aims to help improve service provision for passengers on the condition that recruitment efforts to fill staffing shortages are stepped up by the DfT. The Rest Day Working ban will, however, remain in place for ASLEF members working for other train operating companies.

The end to industrial action by the trade union on TransPennine Express services has been welcomed by local leaders in the North of England. West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, who has led her counterparts across the North in calls to improve the franchise’s services, commented on Twitter:

“Government taking control of [TransPennine Express] was a reset moment, enabling us to work together to find solutions to problems created by the failing operator.

“Today’s breakthrough on rest-day working clearly shows progress.

“I look forward seeing improvements for passengers in coming months.”

Former Transport Secretary Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North, said:

“I very much welcome today’s announcement that agreements have been reached to restore Rest Day Working at TransPennine Express.

“Efficient and reliable rail services across the North are fundamental to our transport system and this positive development should help in returning these services to the levels passengers in the North rightly expect and deserve.

“Transport for the North will continue to work closely with the new leadership at TransPennine Express to build on this positive step forward.”