Fury as Burnham ‘caves to trade union power’ by handing £70k train drivers that take him to Manchester a bumper pay rise

ANDY Burnham has been accused of capitulating to militant unions by handing train drivers a bumper pay rise. The PM has signed off an inflation-busting 3.6 per cent increase to avert strikes on the Avanti service that takes him back to Manchester. PM Andy Burnham has been accused of capitulating to militant unions by handing train drivers a bumper pay rise Credit: Peter Powell for The Times PM has signed off an inflation-busting 3.6 per cent increase to avert strikes on the Avanti service that takes him back to Manchester Credit: Getty The Aslef union had rejected a previous offer and threatened industrial action. Avanti drivers, who start on £70,000 salaries, will be able to earn more for working weekends under the deal, according to the Sunday Times. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! In return, the union has agreed to accept rotas digitally rather than printing them out. Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said: “Andy Burnham has caved to union power. “Labour have already handed over billions with no strings attached, and passengers have seen services decline and taxpayers a bigger bill. This settlement just makes it worse.” The Avanti West Coast is the line Mr Burnham would take to his new No10 North if he chose to go by train. It is the worst-performing train company in the country. The Department for Transport said: “This deal will avoid highly disruptive bank holiday strike action, reduce short-term cancellations, and modernise work practices.” Most read in The Sun Accounts show Aslef donated more than £300,000 to the Labour Party in 2024. Comment now