Train drivers have secured a 3.6% pay rise after the threat of strike action was floated on busy routes across the UK, including the London-Manchester line. The deal, agreed on Saturday between Avanti West Coast and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, is the first to be approved by Andy Burnham in his premiership.
Deal details and union victory
The agreement includes a 3.6% pay rise for drivers, which is 0.7% higher than the latest inflation rate. Drivers will also receive time and a half pay for working Sundays and £720 if they work a fifth day in the week. The deal comes after Aslef announced plans in June to ballot members about possible strike action over pay.
First reported by the Sunday Times, the deal is seen as a victory for the union. As well as the London-Manchester line – likely to see increased ministerial traffic after the establishment of the No 10 North office – Avanti West Coast also operates services to other major British cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow and Liverpool.
Renationalisation and service cuts context
Avanti is set to be renationalised under the Labour government by spring 2027, with all rail companies due to be under government control by the end of that year. The operator, which has the worst punctuality rating for any major rail company in the UK based on figures from the Office of Rail and Road, has cut multiple services in the past year.
For instance, the 7am train between Manchester and London was cut and then reinstated within a few days after public scrutiny. The government said it had “prioritised resolving the rail union disputes, improving services for passengers and saving hundreds of millions in lost revenue to ease the burden on taxpayers”.
Political reactions and official statements
Conservative shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticised the deal, saying the government was “totally capitulating to their union paymasters” and that “taxpayers are being asked to stump up millions simply to save Burnham’s blushes.”
An Aslef spokesperson said on Saturday: “Our job is to enhance our members’ terms and conditions and this deal, struck with Avanti West Coast and approved by the DFTO (Department for Transport Operator), has been accepted.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson added: “This government has prioritised resolving the rail union disputes, improving services for passengers and saving hundreds of millions in lost revenue to ease the burden on taxpayers. We are pleased to see Avanti West Coast work with Aslef to enable a fair and affordable settlement to keep Britain’s railways moving and prevent disruption for passengers.”
