One insider told me, “the worst thing we could do is spend more and spend it badly … the number needs to go up but we absolutely need to get a proper grip of procurement.”
Aslef union members accepted an offer which included a 5% backdated pay rise for 2022-23, a 4.75% rise for 23-24, and a 4.5% increase for 24-25.The walk outs started due to a row over pay and working conditions. Union bosses sought better pay for drivers, but the previous Conservative government said changes to working practices were required in return.
Industrial action has caused widespread disruption on the railways since strikes began in July 2022.The government and the union have refused to release an exact figure of what the average salary of a train driver will be following the pay rises. In 2023, the average wage was £60,055 per year, according to the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies.Based on the pay increases announced, the BBC has calculated an average salary is estimated to be about £69,000 in 2024/25.
Aslef said that when compounded, the offer works out at 15%, is backdated, pensionable and includes drivers who retired or left the industry during the dispute.The breakthrough heralds the end of industrial action which saw drivers stage 18 strikes and take part in several overtime bans, leading to cancelled services.
Some strikes caused an almost complete shutdown of railway lines in England and some cross-border services, including during major sporting and public events.
Mick Whelan said the vote marked the end of the longest train drivers' strike in history."We want something positive to come out of what we're going through so hopefully this event will be really special."
Sarah added: "It's the power of school mums. We're a formidable force and we're determined to do as much good as we can."You’re probably used to politicians telling you we’re living in the most dangerous times for decades.
But who’s going to pay for our protection?Donald Trump is a lot less willing than the current president to pay for other countries’ defence.