Train drivers secure 3.6% pay rise after threat of strikes on busy UK routes

The Guardian World Sunday 30 August 2026, 10:32 UTC By Raphael Boyd 1 min read

Key Points

Deal agreed between Avanti West Coast and Aslef is first to be approved by Burnham governmentTrain drivers have secured a significant pay rise after the threat of strike action was floated on busy routes across the UK, including those on the busy London-Manchester line. The deal, which was agreed on Saturday between Avanti West Coast and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, is the first to be approved by Andy Burnham in his premiership.

Deal agreed between Avanti West Coast and Aslef is first to be approved by Burnham government

Train drivers have secured a significant pay rise after the threat of strike action was floated on busy routes across the UK, including those on the busy London-Manchester line.

The deal, which was agreed on Saturday between Avanti West Coast and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, is the first to be approved by Andy Burnham in his premiership.

UK (LOCATION) Avanti West Coast and Aslef (ORG) Burnham (ORG) London (LOCATION) Avanti West Coast (LOCATION) the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers (ORG) Firemen (Aslef) union (ORG) Andy Burnham (PERSON)

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Train drivers secure 3.6% pay rise after threat of strikes on busy UK routes

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