ASLEF recommends pay offer to train driver members in Scotland and Wales - and throws down gauntlet to Westminster
The union says it has received "significant" pay offers from ScotRail and Transport for Wales but that the final say will be "subject to the decision" of members.
Wednesday 17 May 2023 17:53, UK
A train drivers' union has recommended its members accept a new pay offer in Scotland and Wales and called on the UK government to offer a new deal to members in England.
ASLEF has received "significant" pay offers from ScotRail and Transport for Wales which it will now put to members.
A four-year deal with Transport for Wales would see drivers get an increase of 8.9% backdated to 1 April which would take drivers to £63,200.
A further 7.9% increase would follow on 1 April 2024, before an additional increase of 4.1% in December 2024 which would take drivers to £71,000.
Pay would increase again with RPI inflation on 1 April 2025, ASLEF said.
The one-year deal on the table in Scotland is for 5% which would see drivers' pay increase from £55,264 to £58,027.
Mick Whelan, ASLEF's general secretary, said the union had "successfully negotiated significant pay increases" but it was "subject to the decision of [its] members".
"Sadly, this is in stark contrast with the response from the Westminster government," he added.
"The 15 train companies with which we are in dispute - because they have not offered their drivers, our members, an increase in salary since 2019 - and the Tory government that stands behind them do not appear to be interested in getting a resolution that serves passengers and businesses as well as staff and will help to get Britain's railways back on track."
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A Department for Transport spokesperson said the offer to train drivers in England was "fair and reasonable".
"ASLEF has also had a fair and reasonable offer for members in England, that would take the average train drivers' salary from £60,000 to £65,000 while delivering reform to guarantee the future of the rail industry," the spokesperson added.
"It is time for them to put the offer to their members so they can have a say on their future and call off disruptive and cynical disruption."