THE “summer of discontent” on Britain’s railways is set to worsen after train drivers’ union Aslef announced today that its members have overwhelmingly backed strike action at eight more train-operating companies.

Welcoming the ballot results, the union pointed out that its members had not had a pay rise since 2019, despite the soaring cost of living.

Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Arriva Rail London, Northern, Southeastern, TransPennine and West Midlands are the companies affected.

Arriva saw the biggest Yes vote, with a whopping 98.9 per cent voting in favour, and every ballot had a turnout of at least 80 per cent.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “Strikes are always the last resort, but we’ve been forced into this position by the companies driven by the government.

“With inflation running at north of 10 per cent, drivers have had a real-terms pay cut over the last three years. 

“It’s not unreasonable to ask your employer to make sure you’re not worse off for three years in a row.”

Fellow rail union RMT, whose members staged three days of strikes at Network Rail and 13 train operators last month, congratulated Aslef, saying: “When railway unions and others unite, they are an unstoppable force in the workplace and wider society.

"[Transport Secretary] Grant Shapps needs to stop messing around with his doomed Tory leadership bid and get back to focusing on resolving this dispute.”

Aslef also confirmed today that its members at ScotRail had backed a 5 per cent wage boost, bringing the two-month dispute to an end.

The deal, which had been supported by the union’s executive, also includes more money for rest day and Sunday working, better driving instructor and maternity pay and a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies for the next five years.