Train strikes may continue if talks fail, union warns
Train services between Scotland and England will be severely disrupted on Friday as rail unions walk out in their latest strike action.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Aslef union, (Britain's trade union for train drivers), said train drivers might enter a second or even third year of striking.
He told LBC radio on Friday that train drivers have not had a pay rise in four years.
Asked how much longer union members can financially sustain striking, Mr Whelan said: 'I think we're in this for the long haul. How long is a piece of string?
'If we don't get a pay rise for four years will it be five, will it be six, will it be seven? Will it be stupid to stop this now then restart it some time in the future because you'd lose any impetus that you've gained?'
Listing other sectors on strike, including the civil service, fire brigades and teachers, Mr Whelan added: 'This isn't just a rail problem, the Government's got a problem everywhere.'
He told LBC that Aslef has made no progress in resolving its dispute with the Government in six months of striking.
Asked how likely it was that a deal could be struck during talks next week on February 7, he said: 'We want a resolution. My people don't want to be losing money, they don't want to be standing out in the cold.'