unofficial strike

At the time, the drivers' union Aslef denied accusations of unofficial strike action and said the company should employ enough staff - but it acknowledged there had been a loss of goodwill.

The drivers' union Aslef has strongly denied the company's claim that there's been unofficial strike action.

In a previous letter to the rail industry explaining the timetable change, Mr Whittingham said the "current industrial relations climate" had resulted in "severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as unofficial strike action by Aslef members".

In a letter to the rail industry, Avanti West Coast managing director Phil Whittingham, wrote the "current industrial relations climate" had resulted in "severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as unofficial strike action by Aslef members".

Aslef denied suggestions that drivers had staged unofficial strike action but it has now balloted its members after rejecting a 2.2% pay offer.