Train drivers at c2c are set to stage a fresh wave of strikes in a long-running dispute over pay, threatening more travel chaos for passengers.

Members of Aslef will hold a rolling programme of one-day walkouts at 16 rail firms between April 5 and 8, coupled with a six-day ban on overtime.

Strike action is planned at c2c and Greater Anglia on Monday April 8, with significant disruption expected for commuters in Essex.

Action short of strike is planned Thursday April 4 to Saturday April 6 April and from Monday April 8 to Tuesday April 9.

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 toward concluding this challenging time for the railway.”

The union said it wanted to increase the pressure on the “intransigent” train companies and the “tone-deaf” government following a series of strikes stretching back 20 months.

Train drivers have now not had a pay rise for five years, since April 2019, said Aslef.

A Rail Delivery Group Spokesperson, said: “Train companies are working through plans to manage the unnecessary disruption to our passengers caused by this damaging industrial action – minimum service levels are one potential tool for that but they are not a silver bullet.

“In the meantime we remain committed to resolving this dispute and our offer, which would take average driver salaries to £65,000 for a four-day week without overtime, remains on the table.”