Rail strikes could end following ‘major breakthrough’ as train drivers set to vote on new pay offer

Business

A “major breakthrough” which could signal the end of national rail strikes
has been made in the long-running pay row involving drivers, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

The department says that, following a series of “positive” talks led by the government, the train drivers’ union ASLEF has agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members.

“The offer made to ASLEF is a 5% pay rise for 2022/23, 4.75% for 23/24, and 4.5% for 24/25,” a spokesperson for the DfT said.

“The offer will now be put to ASLEF members in a referendum.”

During the two-year pay dispute, drivers have taken 18 days of strike action as well as refusing to work non-contractual overtime.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said the pay offer being voted on shows how the government is “putting passengers first” compared to the Conservatives who were “happy to see taxpayers pay the price” as strikes continued.

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