Industrial dispute British train drivers end pay dispute after new offer

After two years, a fierce dispute over higher wages and salaries for train drivers in the UK has come to an end. The members of the train drivers' union Aslef accepted a new offer by an overwhelming majority.

The industrial action had led to repeated strikes at 16 private rail providers since 2022.

"It is with great pleasure that we can announce the end of the longest train drivers' strike in history," said Aslef boss Mike Whelan in a video clip. He accused the former Conservative government of behaving "incompetently and destructively" in the dispute.

The Social Democrat government had presented a new offer immediately after taking office in July. According to this, train drivers will receive a retroactive pay rise of 5 percent and 4.75 percent respectively for the past two financial years 2022/23, as well as a 4.5 percent increase for the current year.

Government wants to nationalize railroads again

At the beginning of September, the parliament in London voted to partially re-nationalize the railroads. The bill, which still has to be debated in the second chamber, provides for operations by private providers to end when existing contracts expire or a contractually agreed termination clause can be exercised.

There has long been criticism of train cancellations and delays as well as high ticket prices. Strikes have repeatedly paralyzed connections. Trade unions accuse the companies of exploiting their employees. Profits only benefit managers and shareholders.

SDA