Tories Accuse Starmer of Losing Control of Public Sector Pay

Senior Conservative figures have criticized Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for recent pay offers to train drivers and junior doctors, suggesting that the government has been manipulated by trade unions. James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, claimed that the government is being “played by its union paymasters,” while Chris Philp, the shadow leader of the Commons, accused Labour of “unbelievable naivety” in its approach to public sector pay negotiations. This criticism follows a proposed deal for train drivers that includes a backdated 5% pay increase for 2019-2022, 4.75% for 2022-2024, and 4.5% for 2024-2025. The RMT union's general secretary, Mick Lynch, indicated that rail workers expect similar pay terms to those offered to train drivers, as Aslef prepares to vote on the deal. Despite the ongoing strikes, Aslef has recommended acceptance of the offer, which aims to resolve a two-year dispute marked by significant strike action. However, Aslef members are still planning to strike for 22 days over separate issues related to management practices and broken agreements. In response to the criticism, Nick Thomas-Symonds, a Cabinet Office minister, defended the government's actions, asserting that it is fulfilling promises made during the opposition. He dismissed claims that other public sector workers would demand similar pay increases, emphasizing the government's commitment to reforming the railways alongside the pay offers. Meanwhile, the chancellor has announced pay rises for other public sector workers, including a separate 22% offer for junior doctors over two years.