Near End to Rail Strikes: Train Drivers to Vote on New Pay Deal After ‘Major Breakthrough

Potential resolution in sight for rail strikes after significant progress, with train operators poised to decide on a revised salary proposal

The ASLEF union has recommended its members approve the "reasonable" and "straightforward" offer, potentially concluding the two-year disagreement.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 8:

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a significant development in the ongoing wage dispute with train drivers, potentially marking the conclusion of widespread rail strikes across the nation.

The text indicates that after a sequence of constructive discussions orchestrated by the government, the train drivers' union ASLEF has decided to endorse a new salary offer to its members.

"A spokesperson from the Department for Transport stated that ASLEF has been presented with a pay increase proposal of 5% for the year 2022/23, followed by 4.75% for 2023/24, and 4.5% for 2024/25."

"The proposal is now set to be voted on by ASLEF members in a referendum."

Throughout a two-year disagreement over salaries, drivers have engaged in 18 days of strikes and declined to work overtime that wasn't part of their contracts, causing significant inconvenience for travelers.

ASLEF initially voted for industrial action in June 2022 and has continued to renew its authorization for strikes and other forms of industrial action every six months.

The initial strike took place in July 2022, with subsequent regular strikes and ongoing periods of action continuing up until right before this year's general election.

On Wednesday, the union stated that the conflict arose due to the refusal of the "Conservative government and the privatized rail operators" to provide train drivers with the "salary increase they merit."

ASLEF noted that drivers have not received a pay increase since 2019, a period during which the cost of living has substantially risen.

Mick Whelan, the union's general secretary, characterized the pay proposal as "fair" and "clean," and he is recommending that drivers approve it.

He stated, "It's gratifying that, following two years of blatant disregard from the privatized rail firms and the prior administration that influenced them, we now have a new administration—a Labour government—that pays attention and aims to enhance the railway system for employees, travelers, and taxpayers alike."

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Transport Secretary Louise Haigh stated, "Upon assuming this position, I expressed my desire to act swiftly and address issues, initially by putting a stop to the rail strikes."

The Conservatives seemed content to let the public bear the cost as strikes continued indefinitely, causing distress to travelers. This Labour administration is taking the correct approach by prioritizing the needs of passengers.

"If approved, this proposal would resolve the longstanding conflict and enable us to enhance passenger services significantly through the most substantial modernization of our rail system in decades."

Conservative leadership contender and shadow home secretary James Cleverly has lambasted the proposal, describing it as an "inflation-exceeding salary increase from the Labour administration."

Shadow Transport Secretary Helen Whately stated on X that a deal without conditions implies that "passengers and taxpayers will bear the costs," while she criticized Labour for yielding to union demands.

The Department for Transport has reported that recent industry calculations indicate that since the start of the strike actions in 2022, railway operators have lost approximately £850 million in passenger income.

The Department for Transport (DfT) noted that when considering other effects of the strikes, such as employees missing work or decreased expenditures in the hospitality and retail sectors, the overall financial consequences are estimated to surpass £1 billion.

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