Train drivers win 20% pay rise offer

Train drivers at one of the largest privatised rail companies stand to receive a 20 per cent pay rise for working two hours fewer a week.

In an offer which could lead to higher rail fares, the 375 drivers at Great Western would see their annual earnings rise from pounds 19,000 a year to pounds 23,000 for working a 37 hour week.

Aslef, the train drivers' union, is due to ballot its 375 members at the company over the offer, which is one of the first concluded by privatised passenger train companies. Lew Adams, Aslef general secretary, regards the proposals as a pace-setter in the industry.

Management, which refused to comment, is ready to increase the basic rate from pounds 11,564.80 a year to pounds 20,000. As a quid pro quo drivers would give up a range of allowances and overtime payments. Sunday working would attract a rate of time and a quarter rather than the present time and three-quarters.

The company is calling for 50 voluntary redundancies and the union believes there will be no difficulty in meeting the quota. Aslef has also secured an agreement that there would be no split shifts or part-time staff.