Strikes by train drivers are to continue today, causing more travel chaos across south Essex.
No c2c trains will run on today while Greater Anglia services will be disrupted.
Members of the train drivers’ union Aslef at c2c and Greater Anglia will walk out, followed by strikes in the coming days at other train operators.
Trains could be disrupted on the evening before and morning after strikes due to the train driver week-long ban on overtime last Friday, which is also disrupting services.
The action follows news that Aslef members have voted overwhelmingly to continue taking industrial action for the next six months in their long-running dispute over pay.
Rob Mullen, c2c managing director, said: “I’m really disappointed that an agreement with Aslef hasn’t been reached.
“The impact of this ongoing action is significant for our customers and colleagues.
“I’m hopeful that further meetings with the unions are productive and see progress made towards concluding this challenging time for the railway,” Mr Mullen said.
Greater Anglia said there will be a reduced service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street, Colchester and London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street.
Rail minister Huw Merriman said: “Following RMT members voting to overwhelmingly accept the train operators’ pay offer, Aslef is now not just the only rail union still striking but the only union not to even put an offer to its members.
“They are instead choosing to cause more misery for passengers and the hospitality sector this festive period.
“The fair and reasonable offer that’s long been on the table would bring the average train driver’s salary up to £65,000 for a 35-hour, four-day week.
“Aslef’s leadership should follow in the footsteps of all the other rail unions by doing the right thing and giving their members a say on that offer,” Mr Merriman said.
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