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Avanti West Coast Train Drivers Approve Pay Agreement, Averting Potential Strikes

The deal between Aslef and the operator includes a 3.6% salary increase alongside extra pay for Sunday and fifth-day shifts.

Updated Aug 30, 2026 · 12:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Avanti West Coast drivers represented by the Aslef union reached an agreement for a 3.6% pay increase.
  • The settlement includes time-and-a-half compensation for working Sundays and £720 for working a fifth day in a week.
  • The deal averts potential strike action following union plans announced in June to ballot members over pay disputes on major UK rail routes.

Key facts

  • The Aslef union and Avanti West Coast reached an agreement providing train drivers with a 3.6% salary increase.[The Guardian]
  • The approved settlement includes time-and-a-half pay for Sunday shifts and £720 for drivers working a fifth day in a week.[The Guardian]
  • The agreement follows an announcement by Aslef in June to ballot members regarding potential strike action.[The Guardian]
  • Avanti West Coast serves major UK routes connecting cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Liverpool.[The Guardian]
  • Avanti West Coast is scheduled for renationalisation under the government by spring 2027.[The Guardian]
  • Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden criticized the settlement, asserting that the government was giving in to union demands at taxpayer expense.[The Guardian]

Sources