Train drivers in the UK have secured a significant pay rise after the threat of strike action on several major rail routes, including the busy London-Manchester line. This was reported by infohub.kz.
Avanti West Coast and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union reached a deal on Saturday. This is the first agreement approved by Andy Burnham in his premiership. In addition to the London-Manchester line, the company also operates services to major cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow, and Liverpool. Due to the establishment of the No 10 North office, ministerial travel on this route may increase.
Aslef had announced in June plans to ballot members over pay. The deal, first reported by the Sunday Times, is seen as a victory for the union. It includes a 3.6% pay rise for drivers, 0.7 percentage points higher than the latest inflation rate, as well as time and a half pay for working Sundays, and £720 for working a fifth day in the week.
Under the Labour government's plan, Avanti West Coast is to be renationalised by spring 2027, with all rail companies under government control by the end of that year. According to the Office of Rail and Road, this operator has the worst punctuality rating among major UK rail companies and has cut several services in the past year, including the 7am Manchester-London train, which was restored within days after public scrutiny.
The government said it had "prioritised resolving the rail union disputes, improving services for passengers and saving hundreds of millions in lost revenue to ease the burden on taxpayers".
However, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden accused the government of "totally capitulating to their union paymasters" and said "taxpayers are being asked to stump up millions simply to save Burnham's blushes".
An Aslef spokesperson said on Saturday: "Our job is to enhance our members' terms and conditions and this deal, struck with Avanti West Coast and approved by the DFTO (Department for Transport Operator), has been accepted."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We are pleased to see Avanti West Coast work with Aslef to enable a fair and affordable settlement to keep Britain's railways moving and prevent disruption for passengers."