LONDON, Sept 18 (Askume) – British train drivers’ union ASLEF said on Wednesday it had voted to accept a new pay package, ending a long-running labour dispute and a series of disruptive strikes.
ASLEF reported that approximately 96.6% of members voted in favour of accepting the agreement, while overall turnout was 88.5%.
The dispute has led to 18 days of strikes by about 13,000 train drivers over the past two years, affecting 16 train companies.
Britain’s new government has been in talks with ASLEF since taking office in July following a landslide election victory for the traditionally union-friendly Labour Party.
Under pay proposals published last month , train driver pay will rise by 5% in 2022/23, 4.75% in 2023/24 and 4.5% in 2024/25.
Rail strikes have become common over the past two years as high inflation and rising cost of living have led to demands for higher wages in many industries.
