TORY ministers are coming under increasing pressure to allow rail bosses to make an improved pay offer as train drivers prepare for another overtime ban this week. 

Sixteen train operating companies face a further six days of industrial action by train drivers’ union Aslef from Monday.

South Western, Northern, Great Western and Chiltern have already warned passengers to expect short-notice alterations and cancellations, as they rely on drivers working overtime to run full schedules.

The action is the latest salvo in a long-running wage dispute. Most drivers have not had any wage rise since 2019, despite 40-year high inflation.

Aslef members overwhelmingly voted to renew their strike mandate last month, meaning the year-long stand off could continue until at least Christmas.

In a related dispute, train guards represented by fellow rail union RMT are expected to down tools across the network on July 20, 22 and 29.

The government has repeatedly claimed to be an independent actor in the dispute, but unions have noted that ministers dictate the remit of employers as per their contracts.