Huw Merriman apologised for failing the rail union and not coming to a decision sooner than later. He supports Labour’s decision to make a deal. Here’s what happened.
Merriman Apologises
Huw Merriman said he “understands” why the new government made a deal with the rail union to go forward in “good faith” and make a deal. Merriman also served in the Tory leadership under Rishi Sunak as the Minister of State for Rail HS2.
What Caused This Apology?
The trains have been striking for over two years, and it’s only now that an agreement is made. Merriman looked back and shared it online, stating, “…I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to reach an agreement with all unions that were on strike.”
Speaking out for Train Drivers
Merriman stood up against how the public spoke initially about the train drivers. He said that train drivers deserved to be compensated for their worth as they “carry out a difficult job and skilled job for the safety of passengers…” “these people work hard and should be shown more respect,” he added.
Owning up for Error?
Merriman claimed during his time, he developed a good relationship with the rail leaders. He also mentioned that he hoped that him leading by his example others would also give the train drivers “the respect and recognition they deserve…”
Tory Jabs at the Labour Party
In opposition, the former Secretary of State James Cleverly said the labour government was “played by Union paymasters.”
Train Strikes Cost a Fortune
According to the UK government, the train strikes have raked up the bill to over £840,000, and when adding additional costs, it easily exceeds the £1 billion mark. The money came out of the state and taxpayer’s pockets.
The Union & Members Are Happy
In an interview with Times Radio, Mick Whelan, Secretary of Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen or ASLEF, said they are happy with the deal.
Lacked Interest in Current Rail Affairs
The Tory government never made their decision swiftly. The groups involved in representing the train drivers, like the DfT (Department of Transport) and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), said the former rail minister had never met with them in months.
“Grown-up” Decision Making
The last meeting was in January 2023. However, train strikes were ongoing, and the Tory government didn’t always respond. Current rail minister Louise Haigh assured that under her watch, it would be “an era of grown-up industrial relations.”
Better Experience for Passengers
Haigh is very pleased with the outcome and said they were “putting passengers first.” Through reaching an agreement, Haigh said it would improve performance and passenger experience.
Want to Move Fast
Before Haigh took over as the current Secretary of State for Transport, she said that she was determined to “move fast and fix things.”
The Pay Raise Agreement
According to the UK Government, the pay raise for ASLEF has spread over four years, amounting to a nearly 40% increase. The agreement took place and was confirmed on 14 August.
A Fair Offer
The Secretary of ASLEF said the rate increase was a “good offer” and a “fair offer,” according to The Guardian.
No Grabs
Whelan said this was an offer they always asked for, one void of any “grabs for our terms and conditions.” However, he also noted that other companies and the previous government tried to take it in April 2023,” he said.
Train Drivers to Do More?
In the interview with Times Radio, Whelan defended their stance when asked, “Would there be more from train drivers like “increased productivity?” Whelan simply responded, “You can only drive one train at a time.” He also mentioned that train drivers are subject to shifts.
The Industry Doesn’t Recruit Enough Staff
Whelan mentioned that the pressure is on a few train drivers as the industry doesn’t recruit enough staff to manage.
Forced to Work Time Off
Instead, drivers are forced to “work their time off.” While those in charge didn’t hire the hands needed to “fill the industry,” instead, they depended on less staff to do more.
More Negotiations to Come
The union welcomed the increase. ASLEF lead negotiator Nigel Roebuck will lead the negotiations with the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) next.
Another Matter to Deal With
Roebuck advised that there would be separate strike action to deal with a different matter regarding work environments and broken agreements between ASLEF and the LNER. Roebuck spoke to Sky News.
A Job Well Done
Roebuck has also congratulated Haigh for swiftly working on a resolution for the ongoing strikes. He said that LNER had always prevented them from settling on a deal, and the strikes then prolonged, and neither passenger nor train driver was happy.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nigel J. Harris.