ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan has reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to representing all its members across the rail sector, including those employed by open access operators, amid ongoing changes to the UK’s rail industry.
In his latest monthly update, Whelan addressed concerns raised by some members over comments made in response to the Transport Secretary’s statement on the future of open access rail services. The government has said new operators would only be approved if they pay a fair share for track access and do not abstract revenue from Great British Railways (GBR), once operational.
Whelan clarified that the union’s criticism of the privatised model should not be interpreted as a lack of support for members currently working in open access. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “We want those routes and those members in our nationalised railway on the best terms and conditions, remuneration, and health and safety standards.”
He emphasised that ASLEF’s positions are based on policy set democratically by members through the union’s annual assembly of delegates (AAD), and that the union has consistently campaigned for a publicly-owned, vertically-integrated railway.
“Our members in open access, as elsewhere, have always stood up for the union and each other – and we will always stand with them,” Whelan said.
Looking ahead, Whelan said the union is engaged in discussions about the next phase of Great British Railways, with a public consultation expected to begin shortly. The government aims to introduce GBR following a second legislative bill, with a target launch date of early 2027.
He also noted that further negotiations remain regarding interim arrangements for the operation of services, franchise transitions, and outstanding elements from the last national pay settlement – including talks on staff travel, due to begin by the end of February.
Describing the current period as “a time of massive change,” Whelan highlighted the significance of the upcoming ten-year infrastructure plan and the ongoing consultation on rail devolution. He reiterated the union’s stance that any further devolution must come with the necessary funding.
“There is a lot to be done,” he concluded, “but this could be a great opportunity for our industry and our futures – and must be better than the long-term managed decline we’ve seen under the previous government.”
