London Underground train drivers were today handed inflation-busting pay hikes after Labour mayor Sadiq Khan caved in to union barons’ demands.
The RMT union hailed a ‘substantial victory’ after its members were given a 4.6 per cent pay hike with no strings attached such as reform of working practices.
The pay award, which also relates to station staff, is double the current 2..3 per cent CPI rate of inflation.
And drivers may also soon be allowed to work a four-day week if there is a breakthrough in separate talks with the Aslef rail union.
Tory critics accused Transport Secretary Louise Haigh of ‘emboldening’ militant barons after she handed mainline train drivers a 14.25 per cent hike over three years with no strings attached.
Helen Whately, who was the Tories’ transport spokesman until earlier this month, said: ‘Welcome to life under a Labour Government.
‘Unions are now running the shop, knowing that every time they go on strike Labour will cave.’
London Underground drivers already enjoy average salaries of around £65,000 a year.
Sadiq Khan has been accused of caving into union barons’ demands with today’s inflation-busting pay hikes
A London Underground train at Oxford Circus. TfL, which Mr Khan is chairman of, said: ‘The deal is fair and affordable and RMT agreeing to it is good news for London’
RMT boss Mick Lynch, said: ‘This agreement is a landmark victory for our members and a vindication of RMT’s determination to fight for fair pay and conditions.’
Aslef, which also represents Underground drivers, called off two strikes this month after Transport for London (TfL) said it was willing to allow them to work a four-day working week.
They currently must work their contracted hours over five days.
If on-going talks are successful then the deal will also apply to RMT drivers.
RMT boss Mick Lynch, said: ‘This agreement is a landmark victory for our members and a vindication of RMT’s determination to fight for fair pay and conditions.
‘This success highlights the importance of RMT’s resolute industrial approach, and we will continue to build on this momentum to deliver further improvements in 2025.’
An Aslef spokesman said: ‘We called off planned industrial action on London Underground in November after we reached an agreement on moving towards a four-day week, with a reduction in working hours for train drivers.’
TfL, which Mr Khan is chairman of, said: ‘The deal is fair and affordable and RMT agreeing to it is good news for London.’
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