STRIKING train drivers are demanding even more pay for using iPad-style tablets at work.
The devices notify drivers of speed limits and safety checks on routes.
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Train drivers are demanding even more pay for using iPad-style tablets at work which notify them of speed limits and safety checks Credit: Alamy
But militant union chiefs from Aslef say it goes beyond the normal working practices of its members, who usually rely on noticeboards.
Around 1,500 tablets are waiting in a warehouse.
But they will not be sent out until the deal has been settled.
Aslef has already infuriated passengers by refusing to budge on strike action despite an offer that would take train drivers’ average salary up to ￡65,000 for a four-day week.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper slammed the union last night saying: “Aslef continue to stand in the way of vital reforms needed to safeguard the future of the railways.”
Yesterday Northern and TransPennine Express drivers walked out in the long-running pay -dispute.
It came after Southeastern and Thameslink services were hit on Tuesday. An overtime ban is also in place.
Aslef boss Mick Whelan has warned that drivers could strike for a further 18 months to secure the pay deal they want.
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He said: “The Government created a strike situation.
“We haven’t had a pay rise for five years. We didn’t seek one for two years of the pandemic, when inflation started going through the roof.
“In year three, like every other sector, we sought a pay rise. The Government has decided that we’re not worth it.
“The 16 private companies that we work for are making hundreds of millions of pounds.”
PM Rishi Sunak has accused firebrand bosses of a “campaign of contempt” during the nine days of walkouts.
He is furious at train-operating companies for not imposing new minimum service laws that would provide 40 per cent of services.
Mr Sunak also called on Aslef to stop its act of “self-harm”.
Ministers and train companies have so far reached agreements with the RMT, TSSA and Unite with only Aslef holding out.
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The strikes have hit the hospitality industry for ￡350million this week.
Kate Nicholls, of UKHospitality, said: “January and February are already two of the quieter months for venues and this disruption will make it even more painful.”
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THE “tablet top-up” pay demand is the latest barmy request from rail bosses accused by ministers of failing to modernise.
A source says one union even called on its members to get extra cash for scanning QR codes when first introduced.
Other antiquated rules, dubbed Spanish practices, also let -workers restart their lunch break if a boss approaches and starts talking to them.
One regulation still in place from 1980 allows workers to take paid time-off for a medical check if they use a microwave on the job. Menial tasks such as changing a plug socket could take a team of nine workers.
And different maintenance teams are not allowed to cross boundary lines to help sort out a fault.
Unions have also raised concerns about video-call apps such as Zoom being used before a consultation on them.