Union Leader Warns of Ongoing Demands Despite Recent Pay Deals
Aslef's Mick Whelan suggests unions will "never be content" with Labour's actions, despite recent pay rises. TUC pledges to work with the government to rebuild public services amid concerns over future demands.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers' union founded in 1880, has indicated that trade unions will continue to press for improvements despite recent pay agreements. This statement comes in the wake of a significant 14% pay increase over three years for train drivers, which will elevate their average salary from £60,000 to nearly £70,000.
Speaking at a National Shop Stewards Network rally during the Trades Union Congress conference in Brighton, Whelan expressed a persistent drive for change:
"I'm not too worried about the 'what if' moment, if I'm honest, because even if we only got 40 per cent of what's being promised, we're 40 years better than we've been in the past."
Whelan's comments raise concerns about potential ongoing demands from public sector workers, despite the government's recent inflation-beating pay deals. The UK's public sector wage bill, which stood at approximately £233 billion in 2022-23, is expected to increase further.
The union leader also voiced discomfort with Labour's plan to reduce winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. This issue is particularly sensitive given that the UK has one of the lowest state pensions in Europe relative to average earnings. The winter fuel payment, introduced in 1997, has been a crucial support for older individuals struggling with heating costs.
Whelan suggested that unions could leverage the government's New Deal for Working People to influence Labour's policies. This approach echoes the historical relationship between trade unions and the Labour Party, which was established in 1900 with strong union ties.
Meanwhile, Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is set to pledge cooperation with Labour to rebuild public services. In his upcoming keynote speech, Nowak is expected to emphasize the need for active involvement:
"Politics isn't a spectator sport. We need to roll up our sleeves and get involved."
The TUC, founded in 1868, has been a key player in the UK's long history of trade unionism. Union membership, which peaked at 13.2 million in 1979, currently stands at around 6.5 million people.
These developments occur against the backdrop of concerns about the cost of recent public sector pay deals and potential tax increases. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts public sector pay to increase by 5.2% in 2024-25, adding pressure to the government's fiscal plans.
As the labour movement navigates this new landscape, the echoes of past struggles, such as the significant industrial actions of the 1970s, continue to influence current negotiations and strategies.
