SINCE the summer of 2022, rail workers have been going on strike to dispute about pay, compulsory redundancies and working conditions.
As a result, many are wondering just how much rail workers earn and whether they still get paid during strike action.
PARail workers are continuing to strike over pay disputes[/caption]
Do workers get paid when on strike?
Employers are unlikely to pay staff taking part in industrial action as it’s not a legal requirement, the Government website says.
Many unions in the UK have hardship funds to help workers during strikes.
However, in some cases strike action can result in employers making deductions from their worker’s pay.
For any days where pay is deducted due to strikes, employers may also withhold pension contributions.
Anyone can donate to the RMT’s National Dispute Fund which is then used to support striking union members.
How much do rail workers earn?
During a debate in Parliament on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the rail sector median salary is £44,000.
He claimed the figure “is significantly above the median salary in the country”.
According to the ONS, the median figure is £43,747 across five worker categories. and median rail worker salaries are above the median salary for all employees in the UK, which was £25,971 in 2021.
But RMT dispute the figures used by the Government as they don’t reflect the true picture because other staff like cleaners aren’t categorised as rail workers in official stats.
Sources earlier this year claimed that rail workers earn an average of £60,000, which is a 35 per cent rise over the last ten years
The figures emerged in a salary review paper by the Rail Delivery.
How much do train drivers earn?
The amount train drivers earn depends on the company they work for and their experience.
Recruitment website Reed estimated the average train driver salary to be £48,500 a year in the UK.
The starting salary is around £30,000 and once you earn more experience, you can see yourself earning over £65,000.
A train driver in London can see him or herself earning £58,795 and experienced workers can earn over £69,000.
In Scotland, most train drivers start off with £38,195 and once the probation period ends they can see their pay rise to £48,360.
Drivers work an average of 35 to 40 hours a week, including weekend and evening shifts.
Benefits include free or cut-price travel.