Rail passengers are set to suffer fresh travel disruption over the next few days due to more strikes in long-running disputes over pay, jobs and conditions.

Train companies are warning that services will be "severely reduced" because of industrial action by drivers and other workers.

Members of the drivers' union Aslef have walked out today (May 31) and will do so on June 3, while the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has called a strike on 2 June.

Passengers are being advised to plan ahead and check the times of first and last trains.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, told the PA news agency there was "no waning in enthusiasm" from train drivers to continue taking industrial action.

He said:

"We are determined to get a resolution and remain in this for the long haul.

"It is time for the government to step back from interference which is preventing a deal - drivers, in line with other workers, deserve a pay rise after four years without one and inflation running over the last 12 months north of 10%."

The strikes will affect 16 train companies, with services due to start later and finish much earlier than usual - typically between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

On the RMT strike day, around half of the network will shut down, with around 50% of normal services running.

On Aslef strike days, around 40% of trains will be running but there will be wide regional variations, with some operators running no services at all.

It is likely that evening services on some lines will be affected on the days before each strike and the mornings following strikes.

Aslef will also start an overtime ban at 16 train operating companies on 1 June that could cause disruption, especially in and out of London.

The industrial action will affect football fans travelling to London for the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Fans wishing to travel to the game by train from Manchester have been advised not to attempt to do so on the day.

There will be a limited service on Friday due to the RMT industrial action.

A Rail Delivery Group (RDG) spokesperson said:

"The upcoming rail strikes called by the Aslef and RMT leadership will not only affect our passengers' daily commute but will also impact those travelling to and from the FA Cup final and other events across the country, causing disappointment and frustration for tens of thousands of people.

"It will also inconvenience families who have been looking forward and have planned their half-term holidays. It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain."

The unions say they have not been given a pay offer it can recommend to their members and support for industrial action remains strong among workers as well as the public.

Aslef says train drivers have not had a pay rise for four years.

Both unions claim the government is preventing the train companies making an acceptable offer, which ministers deny.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:

"The government has facilitated a fair and reasonable pay offer, now union leaders must do the right thing and put this to their members."

(c) Sky News 2023: Rail strikes to cause more disruption with walkouts affecting FA Cup final and Epsom Derby

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Sussex Services

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) - which operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express - strongly urges customers to plan ahead and check their travel between Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3 due to industrial action.

There will be no train service in any location on Wednesday, May 31 or Saturday, June 3. Services will also be impacted until around 7am on Sunday, June 4 following the strike.

On Thursday, June 1, there will be knock-on disruption from the previous day’s strike and operators have been notified of a ban on overtime by ASLEF. To help customers plan with fewer short notice alterations, an amended timetable with fewer services will run.

There will be a late start to services in some locations and first trains are likely to be very busy. Passengers may have to queue and may not be able to board their preferred service. Allowing extra time to travel is recommended.

On Friday, June 2, due to strike action by the RMT union, services will be limited across the network, with a later start, an early shut down and no service in some locations [see service map]. 

Gatwick Express will not run between May 31 and June 3, but the airport will continue to be served by Southern and Thameslink on the days train services are operating.

Online journey planners are now updated for 31 May and 1 June, with remaining dates due to appear from 27 May. Passengers are advised to check their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk.