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Today's ASLEF strike was unnecessary and would only alienate and inconvenience passengers and industry, Sir George Young, the Secretary of State for Transport said today.
In a statement he said:
"I am very disappointed that this unnecessary strike is going ahead, bringing inconvenience and cost to passengers and industry.
"It can only hurt passengers, the industry and the prospects of those who work in it. Passengers will be quick to leave the railways, but slow to return.
"British Rail has made an offer of a 3% pay rise which is on a par with settlements in the private sector and is at the top end of public sector deals. The majority of other rail staff have rejected the possibility of industrial action over this pay rise.
"I strongly urge ASLEF to accept the offer and bring an end to further inconvenience and disruption."
