Latest update letter from Hull Trains

Dear Stakeholder

Subject: Hull Trains ongoing Industrial Action

I am writing to update you following a further ballot of our train driver colleagues who are ASLEF trade union members as to whether to extend their existing mandate for Industrial Action in support of a colleague who we previously dismissed for breaching safety protocol.

The existing mandate for strike action was due to expire on 10th August and ASLEF have recently balloted their members to continue this mandate for a further 6 months. Unfortunately, their members have voted, 17 vs 15, with only 53% of our drivers in favour of further strike action.

I want to share with you the fact that we’ve already made a number of proposals for a resolution of this matter, with the individual concerned and with ASLEF, all of which have been rejected. These proposals included the re-engagement of the individual into an alternative non driving role.

Throughout this period, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of safety for both our colleagues and customers, which remains our foremost priority. We also continue to explore every opportunity to reinstate services wherever possible. On many strike days, we have managed to operate up to 90% of our planned timetable, and our team continues to work diligently to minimise the impact of disruption to customers. We fully recognise the inconvenience this situation causes to our customers and communities and remain open to constructive dialogue with ASLEF to reach a resolution.

As we mark our 25th year of operation, we remain committed to serving the communities along our route and are actively developing plans to strengthen our service offering during periods of Industrial Action. Thank you for your continued engagement and support, we do recognise the severity of the ongoing disruption for your constituents and other customers who rely on our services.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support and patience and indeed it has been refreshing to receive continued positive sentiment at face to face meetings and messages of support to both myself and my team. Your feedback has played a vital role in our approach throughout these difficult times and I would welcome any further thoughts from you as we plan ahead for our future.

Yours faithfully,

Louise Mendham
Service Delivery Director
Hull Trains