Tories accuse Burnham of 'capitulating to union paymasters' after train drivers win bumper pay deal

Avanti West Coast train drivers, whose starting salaries stand at around £70,000, have won a 3.6% pay rise that outpaces inflation, following an Aslef threat to ballot members for strikes on the heavily used London-Manchester route — one taken regularly by the Prime Minister. The deal, the first to be signed off under Burnham's premiership, also gives drivers time-and-a-half pay for Sundays and a bonus of up to £720 for taking on a fifth shift each week. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden accused Labour of total capitulation to its union backers. Leaked union correspondence revealed talks accelerated sharply once the strike ballot result gave Aslef what it called 'immense pressure' over both Avanti and the government.

Holden said: 'Taxpayers are being asked to stump up millions simply to save Burnham's blushes.'

The 3.6% rise sits 0.7 points above the latest inflation rate — critics say passengers and taxpayers foot the bill.

Avanti, rated the worst major rail operator for punctuality, is due to be renationalised by spring 2027.