Train strikes likely to end after union agrees pay deal

Three years after the longest and most bitter dispute in the history of British railways began, a settlement appears to be in sight.

- SIMON CALDER

The train drivers' union, Aslef, is recommending acceptance of a "no-strings" pay deal that will see an immediate payment of £6,000 in backdated wages for the typical member.

The agreement, which Aslef members will now vote on, is for three increases:

• 5 per cent for 2022-2023

• 4.75 per cent for 2023 to 2024

• 4.5 per cent for 2024 to 2025.

The deal would see the average salary of a train driver, without overtime, rising from £60,000 to £69,000.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: "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 - a Labour government - that listens and wants to make the railway work for staff, for passengers, and for the taxpayer.