The ASLEF and RMT trades unions have called four 48 hour strikes starting on 30 July, 6, 13 and 20 August respectively (all Thursdays and Fridays) in relation to this year’s pay award. 

From the words of Managing Director - Andrew Chivers:

“I am sorry, but as a result of this industrial action, we will only be able to run the following severely limited service from early morning until early evening on 30/31 July:

  *    Hourly Colchester – London
  *    Hourly Southend Victoria – London
  *    Hourly Stansted Airport – London
  *    A small number of morning and evening peak Norwich – London services

Full details can be found here.  Please note that no other National Express East Anglia services will operate.  However, some alternative options may be worth considering for some journeys:

  *    From parts of Greater London, TfL bus services and London Underground will be accepting Travelcards and season tickets only; other passengers should buy appropriate bus or Underground tickets or use Oyster pay as you go
  *    From parts of Essex, c2c services from Southend to London
  *    From parts of Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, First Capital Connect services from Kings Lynn and Cambridge to London
  *    From parts of Norfolk, a combination of East Midlands Trains and First Capital Connect services from Norwich to Ely then on to London

We will keep everyone informed about the other planned future strike dates and the impact on services should they take place.

I apologise if you are affected by the strike action.  We are extremely disappointed that the ASLEF and RMT unions have called this industrial action over their salary demands, despite lengthy negotiations where we have offered the unions a salary increase above the rate of inflation. In the present economic environment – where many companies are freezing pay at current levels - we believe the offers we have made are both realistic and appropriate.

Strike action is not the solution and we have made it clear that we are available at any time for constructive discussions with the unions to find a resolution to this year’s pay award.  Indeed, we will continue to do all we can to reach a sensible and fair agreement which avoids disruption for customers and offers a realistic settlement for our employees.”