Train drivers at Avanti West Coast are set to receive a significant boost in their overtime pay, with fees for extra shifts increasing to £600 following a recent agreement between the company and the union Aslef. The move comes as Avanti aims to attract more drivers to work additional shifts in order to improve the reliability and resilience of its services, amidst criticism over cancellations, delays, and poor service.
The new agreement, in addition to a driver’s salary, replaces the previous flat £125 payment for overtime shifts, potentially increasing total earnings to between £421 and £495 for an eight or 10-hour shift. This deal will remain in effect until March 13, 2025.
While reports suggest some drivers could earn up to £100,000 a year with this new arrangement, neither Aslef nor Avanti have confirmed these figures. Avanti’s spokesperson stated that the deal aims to enhance the reliability and resilience of their services for customers, while continuing to train drivers on their modern trains.
However, Avanti has faced criticism for its performance, with calls to terminate its contract last week. Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan expressed concerns that the company lacks sufficient drivers to deliver the service it promises.
In response to these criticisms, rail minister Huw Merriman stated in parliament last week that the government does not plan to cancel Avanti’s contract to operate the West Coast Main Line. He emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than changing the operator.
It is worth noting that this settlement is distinct from the broader dispute between Aslef and most of England’s rail companies regarding train drivers’ pay and working conditions. This disagreement has led to 14 one-day strikes and upcoming rolling one-day walkouts and a six-day overtime ban.
As of 2021, the median salary for train drivers in the UK was £59,189 per year. This latest development at Avanti West Coast reflects ongoing efforts to balance the needs of employees and the demands of providing reliable and efficient rail services to the public.