A series of walkouts by Aslef members were scheduled to begin on Thursday, causing transport mayhem in the city. However, the union announced it has accepted a new offer from the line’s operator, MTR, increasing the average train driver salary to £75,000.
According to an update released by Aslef on Wednesday, all industrial action, including the threatened walkouts on March 8 and 10, has been cancelled, including the strikes that were originally scheduled for Thursday and Saturday.
Due to a disagreement over wages and working conditions, Aslef had scheduled the four 24-hour walkouts for the following two weeks.
A 4.5 per cent increase that would have raised an average income by £3,261 to £75,726 for a 34-hour, four-day workweek was unanimously rejected by the drivers earlier this month. The new deal offers enhanced improvements as well as the pay rise.
Mike Bagshaw, managing director for MTR Elizabeth line, said prior to Aslef’s announcement: “Following intensive talks with Aslef to resolve this dispute and avoid disruptive strike action for our customers, we have put forward an enhanced offer, including a 1.5x rate for rest day working with further improvements to terms and conditions.
“This builds upon the original offer of a 4.5 per cent pay increase and enhanced terms and conditions, which would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry.
“In the meantime, we have worked closely with Transport for London to implement a robust contingency plan, ensuring customers are informed of alternative travel options during the strike.”
With many transport strikes over the years over pay, you may wonder what Tube and bus drivers make in London. Here’s what we know.
How much do tube drivers earn?
Tube driver salaries can range depending how experienced they are.
The average driver works 36 hours a week and is entitled to 43 days of yearly leave, which includes bank holidays. Workdays can begin at 4.45am and end at 1.30am.
This week, Elizabeth Line drivers have reached a new deal with MTR to raise their salaries to £75,000. The Elizabeth Line isn’t part of TfL, but it does manage the line’s infrastructure and has a concession agreement with the line’s operator.
For other train drivers in London, the average is £58,795. Although beginning earnings hover around £30,000, experienced drivers can earn more than £69,000.
The average train driver salary outside London is £48,500 per year.
How much do bus drivers earn?
Bus drivers earn a lot less compared with Tube drivers.
London bus drivers can expect to make between £15 and £20 an hour, depending on their level of expertise.
This amounts to approximately £31,000 to £37,440 annually.