ASLEF members across London Underground have voted by over 88 % in favour of accepting the London Underground pay offer of a 5% increase in base pay for 2023.
This followed extensive consultation with our branches and elected reps and a recommendation for acceptance from the negotiating team.
We were clear that the offer is below our aspirations but knew that after months of negotiations and having rejected five previous offers, it was the best that could be achieved at this time. It means that since April 2022 we have achieved a pay increase of over 13.8% despite government imposed funding restriction on TfL.
Unlike pay offer made to mainline Train Operating Companies this pay rise is not tied to changes in working conditions or agreements. Non pay items in our claim, like improving travel benefits and the introduction of salary sacrifice arrangements, will be progressed at Company Council level with the next meeting scheduled for January 11th.
It is important to our members that this agreement is implemented as soon as practical. Any additional delay could have serious implications for those planning to retire in the coming months and potentially create additional tax burdens on those continuing in employment.
We will be submitting our pay claim for 2024 early in the New Year. Passenger numbers are continuing to grow, and TfL revenue is now in a much healthier position. We want to build on what we have achieved by pushing for a real reduction in the working week and a pay rise that compensates for the below inflation rise this year. We will also oppose any further freezing of pay bands that undermines real pay increases.
To make sure there is no attempt to take away existing agreements on the pretext of “modernization” we will also need to renew our mandate for industrial action early in January, so it is important to ensure your address and contact details are up to date. Please let your local rep know if they have changes or contact info@aslef.org.uk .
It is only your support that means we are able to deliver increases in pay and protect working conditions and pension benefits. Thank you to all our members and to all our representatives for the hard work that you do.
Finn Brennan
ASLEF District Organiser.
