Pay talks continue with First Capital Connect drivers

TALKS are continuing between First Capital Connect (FCC) bosses and the train drivers’ union Aslef to resolve the disruption to services travelling through Times Territory.

On Tuesday and yesterday (Wednesday) around 20 trains were cancelled on the Great Northern route – which includes Knebworth, Welwyn North, WGC, Hatfield, Welham Green, Brookmans Park and Potters Bar railway stations – as drivers refused to work overtime in a dispute over pay.

Today (Thursday) a FCC spokesman told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “Talks are continuing and we are meeting the union again tomorrow.

“At the moment there is one planned cancellation today – the 10.30pm WGC to London King’s Cross train – but chances are that will change.”

On Remembrance Sunday the rail operator controversially decided to scrap all services on its Great Northern route after staff adopted the work-to-rule policy.

There have also been numerous cancellations on the Thameslink route, which runs through St Albans, causing chaos for commuters.

Aslef said it is balloting members for industrial action over a two-year pay offer which would mean at least 3 per cent from next April.