Train drivers across England are set to vote on a new pay deal that could finally bring an end to two years of industrial action. The proposed agreement, reached after negotiations between the train drivers' union Aslef and the Department for Transport, aims to resolve a long-standing pay dispute with train operators.
The new offer includes a backdated pay rise of 5% for 2022/23, followed by a 4.75% rise for 23/24, and a 4.5% increase for 24/25. Aslef has described the offer as "no-strings", meaning it is not contingent upon changes to working practices.
This potential breakthrough could bring an end to the protracted dispute, which has seen drivers engage in 18 strikes and various overtime bans, leading to significant disruptions to rail services across England. Over a dozen train operators have been affected by the industrial action, impacting millions of commuters and passengers.
Aslef leader Mick Whelan has acknowledged that the agreement does not fully meet his demands, stating, "If it was everything I wanted it wouldn't have been this deal it would have been a higher deal, more representative of the higher cost of inflation."
The new Labour government's approach to the negotiations has been instrumental in securing the potential deal. Unlike the previous Conservative administration, which favoured a more stringent stance on working practices, the new government opted for direct talks with Aslef leadership, starting last month.
The previous negotiations, overseen by the Rail Delivery Group (representing train operators), had stalled for over a year, culminating in the rejection of a 4% pay rise offer by Aslef in April 2023. This offer was accompanied by conditions, such as changes to training and rostering, which Aslef deemed unacceptable.
The government, under the previous administration, had taken control of the railways during the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring ministerial approval for any pay deals. The new Labour government, however, has removed the Rail Delivery Group from the negotiations, opting for a direct approach with the Department for Transport leading talks.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has stated her commitment to "resetting industrial relations," aiming for a more collaborative approach in negotiating with unions.
The outcome of the vote by Aslef members will determine the fate of the industrial action, potentially bringing much-needed stability to the UK's rail network.
It is worth noting that a separate pay dispute involving train drivers working for Scotrail, Scotland's publicly-run rail operator, is ongoing. A ballot for strike action has been launched by Aslef in response to the pay offer for drivers in Scotland.
