Andy Burnham agrees above-inflation pay rises with train drivers
Andy Burnham has reached an agreement for above-inflation pay rises with train drivers to prevent strikes on the London to Manchester line, reports BritPanorama.
This marks Burnham’s first public sector pay deal since he established No10 North in Manchester, a necessary centre for his ministers who frequently travel through Avanti West Coast services.
Burnham referred to this as a “transfer of power” from London. Leaked union communications indicate that he has approved a 3.6 per cent pay increase for Aslef drivers whose salaries start at £70,000 a year.
Reacting to the decision, Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden accused the Labour administration of yielding to union pressures, stating, “Taxpayers are being asked to stump up millions simply to save Burnham’s blushes.”
Holden further asserted, “This is Labour paying more for less. And it’s passengers and taxpayers footing the bill.” The recently negotiated pay deal is viewed as a significant success for the Aslef union, with drivers also set to receive a £720 bonus for attending work on a fifth day of their weekly shifts. This arrangement follows a period in which the drivers’ refusal to work on other days led to a reduction in 38 services over the summer.
Simultaneously, ministers have proposed a 12 per cent pay increase for LNER drivers operating on the east coast mainline over the next four years, alongside provisions for easier sick leave and non-attendance requirements.
Addressing pay and service provision remains a contentious issue in the transport sector, raising concerns over economic implications and public accountability.
