A MILITANT train union boss will keep strikes going for a year as he thinks Labour will “open the cash register” if they win the election, sources believe.
Insiders say Aslef chief Mick Whelan hopes Labour will get into power and hand train drivers a big pay rise.
AlamyAslef boss Mick Whelan[/caption]
But rank and file union members hope the Tories will cough up more money to settle by Christmas and avoid mass disruption during an election year.
It comes as Britain ground to a halt again on Saturday as members of the drivers’ union at 16 train operators in England walked out.
A source close to the talks said: “Mick’s been very explicit privately about the fact he is waiting for an election.
“He thinks as soon as Labour get into power the Chancellor will open up the cash register.
“I don’t know what planet he is on – Rachel Reeves won’t do this. But that is what he is saying behind closed doors.”
They are planning to strike again on Wednesday in a move ministers blasted as “politically” motivated to cause mass disruption to the Tory Party conference in Manchester.
Mr Whelan has publicly warned industrial action could run into the Christmas period, saying last week: “I can’t write anything off.”
Aslef rejected a proposal in April for pay rises of 4 per cent two years in a row and changes to ways of working.
They argue drivers are being asked to sacrifice their working conditions for a below-inflation pay rise.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper told Sky: “An average salary of a train driver today is £60,000 for a 35 hour, four day week. The pay offer that is on the table, if it was accepted, would take that to a £65,000 a year salary for a four day, 35 hour week — I think most people would think that is quite reasonable.”
A government source added: “We’ve done our bit. It takes two to tango.”
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