Train drivers working on CrossCountry, one of Britain’s longest rail routes, have rejected a proposed pay increase amid ongoing disputes over productivity conditions. The company, which operates services from Edinburgh to Penzance, offered a 3.6 percent pay rise backdated to May 2026, exceeding the 2.8 percent annual consumer price inflation reported for the same period. However, this increase was contingent on drivers agreeing to measures intended to improve efficiency, such as replacing paper payslips with electronic versions, conducting voluntary occupational health medicals via phone, and advancing the timeline for future pay negotiations to February.

The Aslef union, representing the drivers, criticized the inclusion of these conditions, stating they were presented in writing rather than discussed during negotiations. The union also highlighted an alternative offer for a 3 percent pay increase without the linked productivity requirements. The government’s approval of the pay proposals remains pending, as CrossCountry prepares for anticipated full public ownership scheduled for the following autumn.

Dave Calfe, general secretary of Aslef, conveyed to CrossCountry that the 2026 pay proposal was unacceptable and warned that failing to reach an agreement within October could escalate the dispute. CrossCountry, operated by Arriva, has faced significant challenges, recently receiving the lowest satisfaction rating in a passenger survey conducted by Transport Focus over the summer. The watchdog urged the company to address these performance issues swiftly.

Nick Westcott, CrossCountry’s service delivery director, expressed disappointment in the union’s stance, noting that the company had progressively enhanced its offer through several negotiation rounds. The ongoing impasse underscores the difficulties in balancing pay demands with operational reforms as the company confronts service quality concerns and an impending transition to public ownership.