Train drivers join picket lines in Scotland as strikes shut stations across UK

Striking rail staff joined the picket lines in Glasgow on Saturday as industrial action brought station around the UK to a standstill.

Around 12,000 members of the drivers’ union Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Train (RMT) union are on strike over pay and working conditions, affecting 15 train companies.

The strikes do not include ScotRail, the country’s main operator.

Services included Avanti and Northwestern lines were cancelled affecting some of the UK’s major transport hubs including Glasgow’s Central Station and Edinburgh Waverley.

London’s Euston Station was completely closed with stations in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham also affected.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan has said strikes could continue for years until a resolution is found.

He told Sky News: “We do not want to be on strike. But we are in this if it takes us four years, five years, whatever it is, to get a resolution to this, we will do what it takes to get to that resolution.

“We have gone four years without a pay rise, as have many other sectors and many other workers.

“But to stop now after four years, what will happen, we’ll not get a pay rise next year, the year after, the year after that.”

He said nobody has come to them to say they want to resolve the issue, adding that nobody from the Government has spoken to them in more than six months.

Around 40% of trains are affected by the strikes, according to the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).

Trains that do run are due to start later and finish much earlier than usual, between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

RDG has advised travellers to check routes before they travel and prepare for disruption.