As new strikes loom and the government faces accusations of being too lenient with unions, tensions rise over a controversial pay deal that could reshape the future of Britain’s railways. Here’s the full story.
Fresh Strikes Cause Outrage
Fresh strikes by train drivers and Border Force officers have, predictably, caused howls of outrage from rightwing newspapers, concerned that the Labour government was perceived as a “soft touch” by unions, encouraging them to increase industrial action.
Conservatives Frustrated by ASLEF
The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) union, representing train drivers, has announced fresh strikes over working conditions, which has irritated Conservatives.
Strikes Not About Pay
ASLEF’s lead negotiator, Nigel Roebuck, emphasised that the current strikes are unrelated to the ongoing pay dispute, which appears to be nearing a resolution after a recent government offer.
LNER and GWR Disrupted
The London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Great Western Railway (GWR) are among the services most affected by the upcoming strikes.
Weekend Walkouts Planned
Drivers working for LNER will stage weekend walkouts from late August to mid-November. These strikes will occur every Saturday from August 31 to November 9 and every Sunday from September 1 to November 10, disrupting travel on the East Coast mainline between London and Edinburgh.
Roebuck Praises Negotiations
ASLEF’s lead negotiator, Nigel Roebuck, emphasised that the current strikes are unrelated to the pay dispute, which appears to be nearing resolution after a recent government offer.
“Adult Thing” to Negotiate
Rather than criticising the government, Roebuck praised Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, telling Sky News that he believed she had done the “adult thing” by agreeing to negotiate with unions. In addition, he called on LNER to “come to the table.”
“Doors Locked” on Unions
Roebuck stated, “The people that locked the doors on the trade unions and didn’t want to speak and sort out any issues are now throwing the rocks from the side.”
Move the Industry Forward
He added, “Let’s put an end to it and let’s move this industry forward.”
Railway Company Disappointed
A spokesperson for the railway company stated, “Our priority focus will be on minimising disruption to customers during the forthcoming ASLEF strikes, which sadly will continue to cause disruption and delays.”
Constructive Conversations Forgotten
They added, “We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news following recent constructive conversations. We will continue to work with ASLEF to find a way to end this long-running dispute which only damages the rail industry.”
Pay Rise Proposal Detailed
The proposed deal includes a 14% pay rise spread over three years, with 5% allocated from 2019 to 2022, 4.75% from 2022 to 2024, and 4.5% from 2024 to 2025. If accepted, the deal will raise the average train driver’s salary from £60,000 to £69,000.
Pay Cut Despite Rise
Despite the pay increase, ASLEF’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, argued that the deal would not fully compensate for the inflationary pressures faced by train drivers in recent years.
Inflation Cuts Into Pay
Whelan emphasised that, despite the pay rise, drivers would still be “effectively taking a pay cut” due to inflation, averaging over 25% during the disputed period.
Industrial Harmony Sought
Whelan told Times Radio, “We are pleased that someone actually sat down and spoke to us, with somebody that’s interested in the future of the railways and wants industrial harmony.”
Hope for Resolution
Noting that he hoped the new deal would bring the recent industrial action to a close, Whelan added, “We’ve recommended it. We hope it will do.”
Labour Denies Leniency
Labour ministers have resisted allegations that the government is too lenient with unions. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, “What we saw in recent years under the Conservatives was picking fights, needless fights with people like our teaching workforce. Those days are at an end.”
Criticism From Cleverly
However, not everyone agrees with the government’s approach. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly, one of the six candidates for the Tory leadership, accused Labour of dancing to the union’s tune.
Labour “Played” by Unions
Speaking to The Times, Cleverly stated, “The Labour government has been played by its union paymasters. This latest wave of strikes will be devastating for families who rely on train travel to see their loved ones.”
Labour’s Union Ties Scrutinised
The ongoing strikes and pay negotiations have brought the Labour government’s close ties with the unions into sharp focus. However, consistent polling has shown that most of the public support striking workers.
Government Watching ASLEF Vote
With Ministers seeking to present the new pay deal as a pragmatic solution that balances the needs of workers with those of taxpayers, the government will be closely watching the outcome of the ASLEF vote on the pay deal.
Uncertain Future for Strikes
However, it remains to be seen if the Labour government’s more welcoming attitude to union negotiations will be enough to prevent the autumn strikes over working conditions from going ahead or whether a compromise can be reached before then.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Clare Louise Jackson.