COMMUTERS across Dorset are set to face four more days of disruption to train services with, trade unions, ASLEF and RMT both announcing strike dates.

ASLEF, the train drivers' union, said members from eight rail comapnies - including Great Western Railway - would be striking on Saturday, July 30.

Meanwhile RMT, whose members held a three day strike in June, said they would stage walkouts on Wednesday, July 27 as well as Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.

86% of ASLEF union members working for Great Western Railway supported the strike action, on a turnout of 86.3%, in a dispute over pay.

South Western Railway said customers should expect "severe disruption" to services with a knock-on effect likely to also hit services on July 28.

Claire Mann, Managing Director at SWR, said: “It is bitterly disappointing that the RMT has announced this latest strike date. We know how damaging and disruptive industrial action can be, and I’m sorry to all those who’s plans will be disrupted by this damaging strike."

A spokesperson for South Western Railway said the company was working to produce an amended timetable but warned services would run at a similar level seen during the June strikes.

They said: "Service levels are expected to be similar to those during the last strike period in June, when a severely reduced number of trains ran on just a handful of key routes."

Great Western Railway said "most trains" would be affected and commuters should expect any that do run to be "extremely busy". 

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said: “Strikes are always the last resort. We don’t want to inconvenience passengers – our friends and families use public transport, too – and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike but we’ve been forced into this position by the companies driven by the government.

"It’s not unreasonable to ask your employer to make sure you’re not worse off for three years in a row. Especially as the train companies are doing very nicely, thank you, out of Britain’s railways – with handsome profits, dividends for shareholders, and big salaries for managers – and train drivers don’t want to work longer for less.’

A spokesperson for ASLEF said they were open to continued negotiations and said “it’s not too late to resolve this situation.”

Mr Whelan said: “We’re happy to talk to anyone to do a deal and make sure Britain’s railways aren’t disrupted. The government is restricting what the operators can offer, but then refusing to get involved in negotiation.”

South Western Railway runs frequent services from Weymouth to London Waterloo whilst Great Western Railway operate routes to Bristol.

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We want to see rail unions engage with train operators over the reforms needed to secure a bright long-term future for the industry, including working with ASLEF to deliver the more punctual, reliable services we know passengers care about. Instead of causing further disruption to passengers and businesses, we urge the ASLEF leadership to continue talks."