INDUSTRIAL ACTION BREAKTHROUGH
Published at 18:54 on Wednesday 12th September 2012
Tags: DBS, DB Schenker, ASLEF, Industrial Action, Drivers
On 11th September 2012, DB Schenker Class 60 No. 60063, heads south from Darlington with 6D43, the Jarrow to Lindsey empty oil tanks. An acceptance by ASLEF members of the latest offer from DB Schenker may bring an end to the current industrial dispute. Laurie Mulrine
Railway Herald understands that there has been a breakthrough in the DB Schenker (DBS) drivers pay dispute, after talks between the Company and ASLEF took place earlier today.
ASLEF's chief negotiator, Simon Weller, told Railway Herald that an agreement had been reached on both the pay claim and other issues which would be put to his Executive Committee next week with the recommendation that the deal be put to the members. They, in turn, will be asked to vote on the matter.
In the meantime no further strike action will be taken, and the indication is that the restoration of voluntary rest day working could be reinstated as early as next week. Details of the proposed settlement will be announced to the ASLEF members at DBS in due course.
This is good news for the industry, as the proposed settlement covers both the pay claim and the associated issues of manning levels and training, while in the short term the restoration of rest day working could ease the pressure on DBS customers, and charter operators in particular, before the end of the month, as well as easing the backlog of Network Rail infrastructure work.
