Union to ballot over Hull Trains driver sacking

A union is balloting for strike action over the sacking of a Hull Trains driver.

Aslef said the driver had been unfairly sacked after raising a safety concern about fatigue during a briefing by the rail company and had called for it to reinstate the employee.

However, Hull Trains said it was "disappointed" by the union's decision and insisted it had followed correct procedures following an investigation.

Voting is due to start on 20 January with the result expected on 12 February, according to the union.

Aslef's general secretary Mick Whelan said: "We have a culture on the railway that's there to keep everyone safe.

"Anybody who works on the railway should be able to report a safety concern without fear or favour.

"Not to fear that they cannot speak up and report problems under threat of losing their livelihood.

"Hull Trains have demonstrated through this incident a lack of understanding of key health and safety principles."

A spokesperson for the train operator said: "Hull Trains follows highly regulated industry standard agreements and procedures for safety.

"We have stringent safety reporting processes and provide extensive ongoing training and health and wellbeing support for our colleagues, which has secured industry recognition."

The company said it had "always put safety first for both customers and colleagues" and assured customers there was no planned disruption at this time.

"Should there be any changes to our service then these will be updated in due course, with prior notice," Hull Trains added.

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