THE train drivers’ union has called on Westminster to match the example of Scotland and Wales and introduce pay deals it believes will end widespread strikes in England.
Aslef has recommended its members accept a deal put forward by the Welsh transport department and a 5% pay increase from ScotRail.
But it said the Tory government in England does “not appear to be interested in getting a resolution” and claimed this was proof strikes on English railway lines were the fault of the Department for Transport.
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “Subject to the decision of our members – and because, as a trade union, we are a very democratic organisation, it is their decision – we have successfully negotiated significant pay increases for our members with the governments of the devolved nations.
READ MORE: How will Scotland be affected by the latest round of train strikes?
“Sadly, this is in stark contrast to the response from the Westminster government.
"The 15 train companies with which we are in dispute – because they have not offered their drivers, our members, an increase in salary since 2019 – and the Tory government that stands behind them do not appear to be interested in getting a resolution that serves passengers and businesses as well as staff and will help to get Britain’s railways back on track.
“On Transport for Wales, we have negotiated a deal which modernises the railway in Wales. The deal offers a significant increase in salary for changes to conditions.
“The latest deal with ScotRail is a further increase in salary and improvement in conditions.”
He added: “This is further proof that Aslef is willing to negotiate in good faith and modernise our railway. And further proof that the failure of negotiations with the train operating companies in England is the responsibility of Mark Harper, the Department for Transport, and the Rail Delivery Group. That has been laid bare for all to see.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Aslef has also had a fair and reasonable offer for members in England, that would take the average train drivers’ salary from £60,000 to £65,000 while delivering reform to guarantee the future of the rail industry.
“It is time for them to put the offer to their members so they can have a say on their future and call off disruptive and cynical disruption.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel