‘There is NO loyalty’ General Secretary of Aslef Mick Whelan slams response to union action

‘There is NO loyalty’ General Secretary of Aslef Mick Whelan slams response to union action
Gabrielle Wilde

By Gabrielle Wilde


Published: 30/01/2024

- 10:55

Updated: 30/01/2024

- 11:26

A week-long rail strike began today

GB News host Isabel Webster questioned Aslef's General Secretary Mick Whelan after a week-long rail strike began today.
Train drivers around the country are striking for higher pay despite drivers earning basic average salaries of nearly £60 thousand.

Speaking to Whelan on GB News Webster said: "We've seen rail bosses awarding themselves in some instances a 61% pay rise with £1 million bonuses.

WhelenMike Whelen speaking on the train strikes on GB News BreakfastGB News

"And yet the the customers, the people who want to use the trains are having to endure this relentless strike hell.
I think the Prime Minister might be right that there is this contempt towards the customer. Ian Duncan Smith has said that rail bosses have rank cowardice for failing to use the new legislation to provide a minimum service. What do you make of that?"

The Aslef member said: "I naturally don't think that forced labour in the 21st or 22nd century is the right way forward. I think it's the next stain on our democracy.

"Very simply, if you can't solve the situation, you change the rules. Taking away people's human right to strike? I'm not quite on board with that, but at the same time, no one's been able to tell me how to do this safely.
"One operator told me it was taking 90% of staff to run a 40% service. Also, the knock-on effect for the future days would be immense.
"On a three-shift system, you don't have 90% of staff available on any given day, so it doesn't work."

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