The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a significant development in the ongoing salary dispute with train conductors, potentially marking the conclusion of nationwide railway strikes.
After a series of productive discussions facilitated by the government, the train drivers’ union ASLEF has agreed to propose a new salary deal to its members.
A spokesperson for the DfT disclosed, “The proposal put forth to ASLEF includes a 5% increase in pay for 2022/23, 4.75% for 23/24, and 4.5% for 24/25.”
“The next step involves presenting the proposal to ASLEF members for voting,” the spokesperson added.
Over the course of the two-year salary disagreement, train drivers have participated in 18 days of strikes and refused to work overtime outside their contracts, leading to substantial disruptions for commuters.
ASLEF initially voted for industrial action in June 2022 and continually reaffirmed their authority for strikes and other forms of protests every six months.
The first strike took place in July 2022, followed by periodic walkouts and protest weeks until shortly before the most recent general election.
The union stated on Wednesday that the conflict originated from the refusal of the “Tory government and the privatized railway companies” to grant train drivers the “deserved wage increase”.
ASLEF highlighted that drivers had not received a raise since 2019, and during this period, the “cost of living had notably risen”.
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of the union, characterized the pay offer as “equitable” and “transparent” before urging drivers to accept it.
Whelan remarked, “After enduring disrespectful treatment from the privatized railway firms and the previous government that controlled them, we now have a new government – a Labour government – that listens and aims to improve the railway environment for employees, passengers, and taxpayers.”
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ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan, center, on the picket line at Euston train station in April. Pic: PA
The Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, remarked: “Upon assuming this role, I declared my intent to act swiftly and rectify issues – commencing with the resolution of rail strikes.
“The Conservatives displayed contentment as strikes persisted, burdening taxpayers while passengers endured hardships. This Labour administration prioritizes passengers’ welfare.
“If accepted, this proposal would conclusively terminate this prolonged dispute, facilitating progress by enhancing service quality for passengers through the most extensive railway reform in a generation.”
Conversely, James Cleverly, a contender for Tory leadership and the shadow home secretary, condemned the offer as an “inflation-exceeding wage increment by the Labour regime”.
Shadow transport secretary Helen Whately expressed on X that “an unconditional agreement implies that passengers and taxpayers will bear the cost”, accusing Labour of yielding to union demands.
The DfT revealed new industry approximations indicating that railway companies suffered losses of roughly £850 million in passenger revenue since the initiation of industrial actions in 2022.
Accounting for supplementary strike repercussions such as work disruptions and potential declines in hospitality and retail spending, the total impact likely surpasses £1 billion, as per the DfT.
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