Train strikes: Finding the truth behind the headlines – with ASLEF boss Mick Whelan | Ep 18

Train strikes have hit the headlines frequently over the past three years as an increasingly bitter dispute between train drivers’ union ASLEF and the government and train operating companies continues.

Our Big Interview guest is ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan. We find out how the rail strikes began in the first place and what has happened since… And, crucially, what it will take to end the long-running disruption to passengers.

In this episode…
00:00 Intro
02:20 What does it take to be a train driver?
06:44 The process to call a train strike
09:32 The background to the current dispute
14:20 The chronology of who was offered what deal and when
21:15 A bad faith moment
24:09 What do train drivers really earn?
28:03 Productivity conditions wanted by the government
29:51 ‘A bonfire of terms and conditions’
34:15 Establishment levels – the number of drivers you need to run the timetable without overtime
37:57 We have an age problem in the industry
38:28 Why don’t we have enough drivers?
40:46 Diversionary routes
43:17 Minimum Service Levels legislation
46:48 Why did train operators choose not to use Minimum Service Levels legislation
53:13 Are we risking passengers losing further confidence in rail?
57:30 Is ASLEF’s strategy to hang on in the hope of a Labour government?
1:04:12 Green Signals debriefs the interview – how could we resolve the dispute?

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