Rail strikes close to end as Aslef agrees pay deal
There have been 18 strikes since Aslef first balloted for industrial action in June 2022, which are believed to have cost the hospitality industry more than £3.5bn in lost sales
Train drivers are set to vote on a new pay offer after Aslef and the Department for Transport came to an agreement hoping to bring months of disruption to an end.
The new offer is for a 5% backdated pay rise for 2022/23, a 4.75% rise for 23/24, and 4.5% increase for 24/25.
Aslef also stated that this is a “no-strings” offer meaning it is not conditional on changes to working practices.
Should the members accept the deal it will end the long long running dispute and mean no more strikes.
There have been 18 strikes since Aslef first balloted for industrial action in June 2022, which are believed to have cost the hospitality industry more than £3.5bn in lost sales.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “This is an extremely positive development and I hope that this leads to a firm end to ongoing strike action. We estimate that hospitality businesses have lost more than £3.5bn in sales throughout the period when businesses have been forced to shut, staff prevented from coming into work and families forced to cancel plans.
“I’m pleased that all parties involved have come together to reach this proposal and I hope this will see a line drawn under the dispute. Once resolved, we can enter a period of rebuilding trust in our rail network.”
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, added: “The breakthrough in negotiations between the government and ASLEF is a crucial step forward for our sector. For over two years, industrial action has severely impacted the night-time economy, creating significant barriers for businesses, workers, and patrons alike. The proposed pay deal, which marks a potential end to the long-running rail dispute, is a positive sign that the tide is turning.
“While there is still much work to be done, particularly in rebuilding the financial stability of our sector, the prospect of renewed stability in rail services is a welcome development. Reliable transport is the lifeblood of the night-time economy, ensuring that millions of people can access our venues and events safely and conveniently.”