Train drivers on the Elizabeth line are set to strike on four separate days in the coming weeks due to a dispute over pay. Members of the Aslef union will take industrial action on Thursday, February 27; Saturday, March 1; Saturday, March 8; and Monday, March 10.

The vast majority of drivers on the line are union members and voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike. Aslef attributed the dispute to the operator, MTR Elizabeth line.

Aslef’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, stated: “Our members have played a crucial role in the success of the Elizabeth line—it’s a true partnership between the company and its employees. However, despite our best efforts, MTR has refused to acknowledge the contribution, significance, and value of train drivers in this achievement.”

MTR, set to be replaced as the line’s operator by Tokyo Metro and Go-Ahead in May, has offered drivers a 4.5% pay increase, in line with other industry agreements.

The Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022, serves as a key cross-London transit route, carrying approximately 800,000 passengers daily.

Other transport services in London, including the Tube, Overground, and national rail services, will continue operating as usual.

A Transport for London spokesperson urged both Aslef and MTR Elizabeth line to continue discussions to resolve the dispute and prevent disruption for passengers.

Mike Bagshaw, managing director of MTR Elizabeth line, expressed disappointment over the strike decision, stating: “We regret that drivers have rejected a 4.5% pay rise and opted for industrial action. This offer would have kept their salaries among the highest in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions. Any strike action will disrupt passengers who rely on the Elizabeth line, and we will collaborate with Transport for London to provide alternative travel information. We remain open to discussions with Aslef to resolve this dispute.”

Despite the resolution of major nationwide rail disputes last summer following two years of disruption, industrial tensions persist in some areas of the network.

Avanti West Coast train managers, who are members of the RMT union, have been staging regular Sunday strikes in an ongoing disagreement over rest day working, which is set to continue until at least the end of May.

Meanwhile, planned strikes on the London Underground in November were called off after a pay agreement was reached.