First Capital Connect drivers ballot called off
A BALLOT for industrial action for First Capital Connect (FCC) drivers has been called off.
Yesterday (Tuesday) train drivers’ union Aslef approved a new offer from FCC which includes a 1.5 per cent increase backdated to April.
The news means services on the Great Northern route – which runs through Times Territory – should be restored to a normal timetable from Monday.
A FCC spokesman told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “The union has considered our revised pay offer and agreed to recommend it for acceptance to members [in a referendum running until January 13].
“We are working jointly with Aslef to encourage our drivers to resume restday and overtime working especially on the Thameslink route, our aim being to provide a full, normal service to our customers as quickly as possible.”
You may also want to watch:
The revised offer includes 1.5 per cent in April 2009 and 2 per cent in April 2010.
A further productivity increase proposed for November 2010 would take the total to about 5 per cent over two years.
Most Read
- 1 Planning application submitted for 173-space car park and mobile café at park
- 2 Preparation works under way for Stonehills revamp
- 3 Man suffers fractured skull and bleed on the brain after pub assault
- 4 What to do if you see these hazardous caterpillars in a park
- 5 Delight for performing arts school as song hits number one in iTunes classical charts
- 6 Mum's proud of soldier son's guard of honour role at Prince Philip's funeral
- 7 'These heroes deserve a proper pay rise' - Demonstration of support for NHS workers to be held outside New QEII
- 8 The latest court results for Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar
- 9 Rail passengers warned of three-day closure at London King's Cross station
- 10 Pregnant woman jailed for more than two years for killing cyclist
Aslef general secretary Keith Norman said: “I’m pleased FCC has come forward with an improved offer and hope they will address the causes of the current disagreement by recruiting more train drivers.”
Cancellations and disruptions on the Great Northern route – which includes Knebworth, Welwyn North, WGC, Hatfield, Welham Green, Brookmans Park and Potters Bar railway stations – have plagued travellers following drivers refusal to work overtime, in a dispute over pay.
The row escalated on Remembrance Sunday when the rail operator controversially decided to scrap all services on the route, after staff adopted the work-to-rule policy.
