It claims that the drivers’ union ASLEF has decided to suggest a fresh salary proposal to its members after a series of “positive” negotiations facilitated by the government.
A DfT representative stated that ASLEF has been offered a pay increase of 5% for 2022–2023; 4.75% for 23–24; and 4.5% for 24–25.
“The offer will now be put to ASLEF members in a referendum.”
Drivers have participated in 18 days of strike action and refused to work non-contractual overtime throughout the two-year salary dispute, severely disrupting passenger travel.
ASLEF held its first industrial action ballot in June 2022, and every six months it reaffirmed its authorization to take both strike and non-strike measures.
The first strike took place in July 2022, and then there were continuous weeks of action and walkouts until shortly before the general election this year.
The union stated on Wednesday that the “Tory government, and the privatized train companies” failed to provide train drivers with the “pay rise they deserve,” which sparked the conflict.
The “cost of living has increased significantly” since 2019, according to ASLEF, and drivers have not seen a pay raise throughout that period.
The union’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, called the salary offer “fair” and “clean” before stating that he is recommending that drivers accept it.
