RAIL passengers are continuing to suffer on the Thameslink route in and out of London – and there s no sign of respite. Talks between First Capital Connect (FCC) and rail union ASLEF over the pay dispute which has led to drivers refusing to work overtime

RAIL passengers are continuing to suffer on the Thameslink route in and out of London - and there's no sign of respite.

Talks between First Capital Connect (FCC) and rail union ASLEF over the pay dispute which has led to drivers refusing to work overtime or on rest days have so far failed to throw up any resolution.

ASLEF representative Mick Whelan is not due to take FCC's latest offer to his executive committee until Monday.

A spokesperson for FCC said: "I cannot reveal what stage the talks have reached other than to say we have to wait to hear ASLEF's response after their meeting on Monday."

Until then he said the revised timetable - with reductions in services of up to 50 per cent - would continue to run with as many add-ons as could be mustered.

An extra 11 trains were put on yesterday and an additional 12 today.

ASLEF is now balloting members on a fully-fledged strike over the issue due to begin next Wednesday December 9. They have rejected a two-year deal with a pay freeze this year and a minimum of a three per cent increase next year.