LABOUR has sent a “dangerous signal” to unions they will get bumper pay rises with no need to improve services, MPs warn.
A top Tory said the new Government’s actions show they are using taxpayers’ wallets like a cash machine for the unions.
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Ministers have just agreed to a 15 per cent pay deal for striking train drivers — meaning the average salary soars to around £69,000.
But 48 hours after the offer, Aslef announced a fresh strike on LNER trains over a separate dispute involving issues such as roster agreements.
Now firebrand RMT boss Mick Lynch is demanding the same for rail workers — threatening “problems” if ministers do not agree.
A new report by right-wing think tank Policy Exchange says Labour must train 2,000 new train drivers a year to break the union stranglehold.
But in addition to train drivers, Heathrow airport’s Border Force guards have announced they will walk out at the end of the month and GPs are set to push for more dosh.
Richard Fuller, interim chairman of the Tory Party, says when Labour runs out of cash they will just hike taxes.
Writing in today’s Sun on Sunday, the MP for North Bedfordshire said: “This government is willing to send the dangerous signal to unions there’s no need for productivity, no need for reform.
“Labour’s actions show they are more than willing to treat the taxpayers’ wallet as an ATM for their union allies.”
He said unions are now in an “arms race” to squeeze the government for ever larger payouts by threatening strikes.
But a Labour spokesman said: “The Conservatives oversaw a decade of economic stagnation leaving British people £4,000 worse off in 2023.”