Train Drivers Take the Heat: No Extra Bucks, No New Breaks
What the Train Shuffle Looks Like
The UK’s Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, has told the nation that the government won’t “spend more money on train drivers,” even after a fresh wave of strikes that rattled the rail network this month.
Why the Grumbles Keep Going
- Train crew at Aslef have been clamping down on the union’s long‑running pay fight—over a year now!
- Drivers are looking for a decent raise without three extra hours or a “4‑day work week” gimmick.
- The pilot of the turmoil, Mick Whelan (Aslef’s general secretary), says the union’s been ready to listen but feels the government has been playing hardball.
Harper’s Take: “Take the Offer, Stop the Snafu”
- Main Deal: Average salary climbs from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 for the same 35‑hour, four‑day schedule.
- Harper insists the offer is already on the table and stresses that nothing extra will be handed over.
- “If Whelan’s got this on offer, lets him put it in front of his team and decide. We’re not going to pour more cash into the driver’s pockets.”
– Mark Harper, LBC interview
Union’s Response: “Time to Talk, Not Tackle”
Whelan wrote back to Harper (via an LBC message): “Since you stepped in, we’ve felt nothing but bad faith. We’ll meet you soon—let’s wrap this up in the next two weeks.
What’s Lined Up Next?
That means a potential face‑to‑face with the government could end the rail bonfire—if both sides actually pick up the phone. The front‑line drivers are hoping for a fair payment shift that won’t leave their pockets dry. The extra‑money promise from the government still seems to be on pause.
Bottom Line
Train drivers are calling for a real raise, not just more hours or split‑cover pay. Harper’s unwavering stance could stall the dispute if the union won’t agree. Fingers crossed for a chat that brings a clear ending to trainshakes.
