Mayor calls for talks as train drivers reject pay increase
Sir Sadiq Khan has urged both Elizabeth line operators and the train drivers’ union Aslef to “get round the table” and reach a settlement, as industrial action looms over a pay dispute. The Mayor of London stressed that there is still time to “resolve their differences” before the planned strikes take place.
Aslef announced on Thursday that its members would walk out for four days in response to what they describe as an inadequate pay rise offer. The strike was called after Elizabeth line train drivers rejected a 4.5 per cent pay increase, which the line’s management says would have raised salaries from £72,465 to £75,726 for a 34-hour, four-day week.
A driver instructor’s salary would have increased from £75,430 to £78,824, while a driver team leader would have seen their earnings rise from £76,090 to £79,514.
Strikes set to disrupt thousands of commuters
The planned strike action will take place on:
- Thursday, 27 February
- Saturday, 1 March
- Saturday, 8 March
- Monday, 10 March
The strikes are set to last from 00:01 to 23:59 on each of these dates, affecting thousands of commuters who rely on London’s busiest rail service.
Speaking to The Standard, Sir Sadiq Khan expressed his concern over the situation, stating:
“I think what’s really important is for MTR – who run the Elizabeth line – and Aslef to resolve these differences amicably, rather than going on strike. I think strikes ultimately are a sign of failure.”
The Mayor refrained from advising train drivers on whether they should accept the pay rise on offer, instead reiterating that both sides should come together to negotiate a resolution.
“There is still time for Aslef and MTR to resolve these differences. These strikes will mean the Elizabeth line loses passengers, passengers are inconvenienced, the drivers lose a wage, and so nobody wins.”
Conservative criticism over mayor’s handling of unions
The City Hall Conservatives have accused Sadiq Khan of mismanaging industrial relations, arguing that his past decisions have emboldened unions to take further strike action.
Keith Prince, the Conservatives’ transport spokesman, linked the current dispute to the Mayor’s decision in January 2024 to avert RMT Tube strikes by securing £30 million in City Hall funding to increase pay for 16,000 London Underground staff.
“With every successive announcement that drivers are set to strike, the Mayor’s decision to throw tens of millions at the unions with no conditions is increasingly looking like a poor investment, made worse by the Government’s rogue deals with the union barons.”
“It’s the same old story – the Mayor makes a mistake, and Londoners pick up the bill. We hope these strikes can be prevented, but this is an indictment of Labour’s negotiating strategy.”
Union and management response
Aslef representatives maintain that their decision to strike was not taken lightly, stressing that drivers are seeking a fair deal.
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Nigel Gibson, Aslef’s district organiser and lead officer in talks with MTR, commented:
“Taking action is always a last resort, because we do not want to inconvenience passengers and our members do not want to lose money. I hope that the company, seeing the strength of feeling amongst our members, will do the right thing and return to the negotiating table.”
MTR-Elizabeth line’s Managing Director, Mike Bagshaw, expressed disappointment over the rejection of the pay rise offer, stating:
“We are disappointed that drivers on the Elizabeth line have rejected a 4.5 per cent pay rise and voted for industrial action. The offer would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions.”
“Any potential strike action will be disruptive for those who rely on the Elizabeth line, and we will work closely with Transport for London to ensure customers are informed of alternative travel options.”
“We remain committed to engaging with Aslef in the hope of resolving this dispute.”
A test for London’s rail network
The Elizabeth line is the busiest rail service in the UK, carrying more than 700,000 passengers on weekdays. Any disruption to services could have a significant impact on London’s transport network, putting further pressure on TfL services, buses, and alternative rail routes.
With both sides refusing to back down, commuters now face the possibility of major disruption, unless an agreement can be reached in the coming weeks. Sir Sadiq Khan remains hopeful that a resolution is possible, but the situation underscores the ongoing tensions between unions, operators, and City Hall.
