Rail strikes avoided as unions recommend drivers accept pay offer from First Capital Connect

TRAIN drivers have backed down in their dispute with train operator First Capital Connect, with union leaders recommending that they accept an improved pay offer. More the 550 members of the Aslef union who work for FCC had been voting on whether to take

TRAIN drivers have backed down in their dispute with train operator First Capital Connect, with union leaders recommending that they accept an improved pay offer.

More the 550 members of the Aslef union who work for FCC had been voting on whether to take strike action, which would have affected services between Cambridge and London King's Cross which call at Royston and other stations in Crow Country.

However, the union said today it was recommending that drivers accept the new offer, which is worth an extra five per cent over the next two years.

An FCC spokesman said: "We are pleased that Aslef has withdrawn the ballot for industrial action. The union has considered our revised pay offer and agreed to recommend it for acceptance to members.

"The offer is spread over two years and includes productivity-based increases. We are working jointly with Aslef to encourage our drivers to resume rest day and overtime working, our aim being to provide a full, normal service to our customers as quickly as possible."

In recent weeks FCC services have been hit by staff shortages, with drivers refusing to work overtime.