Key facts
- Train drivers at Avanti West Coast have secured a 3.6% pay rise.
Train drivers at Avanti West Coast have agreed to a 3.6% pay rise, plus enhanced Sunday and fifth-day pay, averting strike action. The deal was approved by the Aslef union and Andy Burnham.
The agreement prevents disruption on key UK rail routes and signals progress in resolving ongoing rail union disputes, potentially setting a precedent for future negotiations.
Train drivers at Avanti West Coast have secured a 3.6% pay rise, along with enhanced pay for working Sundays and a bonus for working a fifth day in the week. The agreement, reached between the rail operator and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, averts the threat of strike action on busy UK routes, including the London-Manchester line.
The deal, which was approved by Andy Burnham, is seen as a victory for the union, which had announced plans to ballot members over potential strike action in June. The pay rise is 0.7% higher than the latest inflation rate.
Avanti West Coast is slated for renationalisation by spring 2027. The operator has faced criticism for its punctuality and service cuts in the past year. The government stated its priority was resolving rail disputes, improving services, and saving taxpayer money. However, Conservative shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticized the government for "capitulating to their union paymasters."
An Aslef spokesperson confirmed the deal enhances members' terms and conditions, while a Department for Transport spokesperson expressed pleasure at the "fair and affordable settlement" that will keep Britain's railways moving.