Rail strikes near end after government pay offer
Costly rail strikes that have hindered so many pubs and bars could finally be over.
Following a total of 18 days of action over the past two years, the costly rail strikes that have hindered so many pubs and bars could finally be over.
ASLEF, the train drivers' union, has received a pay offer from the Department for Transport which will be put to its members with a recommendation to accept.
If ASLEF members vote yes, it will end the national two-year pay dispute. The three-phase offer from government is for a 5% rise for 2022-2023; 4.75% for 2023 to 2024; and 4.5% for 2024 to 2025, all backdated and pensionable.
"We are pleased that after being treated with utter contempt for the last two years by the privatised train companies and the previous government that was pulling their strings, we finally have a new government that listens and wants to make the railway work for staff, for passengers and for the taxpayer," says Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary.
"The offer is a good offer – a fair offer – and it is what we have always asked for, a clean offer, without a land grab for our terms and conditions that the companies, and previous government, tried to take in April last year. We will put it to members with a recommendation for them to accept."
A welcome breakthrough
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, says that the breakthrough in negotiations between the government and ASLEF is a crucial step forward for the on-trade.
"For over two years, industrial action has severely impacted the night-time economy, creating significant barriers for businesses, workers and patrons alike," he says. "The proposed pay deal, which marks a potential end to the long-running rail dispute, is a positive sign that the tide is turning.
"While there is still much work to be done, particularly in rebuilding the financial stability of our sector, the prospect of renewed stability in rail services is a welcome development. Reliable transport is the lifeblood of the night-time economy, ensuring that millions of people can access our venues and events safely and conveniently."
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