From Picket Lines to Progress: Mick Whelan’s Journey Through the Rail Strikes
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s General Secretary, reflects on his working-class roots and the resolution of Britain’s longest rail strike, marking a turning point in industrial relations.
In the bustling heart of West London, where the echoes of Irish immigrant voices mingled with the rumble of passing trains, a young Mick Whelan could scarcely have imagined the pivotal role he would one day play in shaping Britain’s railway landscape. As the son of Irish immigrants, Whelan’s journey from a working-class upbringing to becoming the General Secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, is a reflection of the enduring power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of the working class.
This week, as Aslef members voted overwhelmingly to accept a hard-won pay offer, bringing an end to two years of gruelling industrial action, Whelan finds himself at the centre of a historic moment. The resolution of this protracted dispute marks not just a victory for train drivers, but a significant shift in the balance of power between workers and management in the UK’s transport sector.
The Making of a Union Leader
Mick Whelan’s story begins in the vibrant, multicultural streets of West London, where the Irish community had established a strong presence in the post-war years. Growing up in this environment, young Mick was steeped in the values of solidarity, hard work, and the importance of standing up for one’s rights.
“My parents came to London in the 1950s, like so many others, looking for work and a better life,” Whelan recalls. “They instilled in me a deep respect for the dignity of labour and the power of community. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.”
The Whelan household, like many in their neighbourhood, was a hive of political discussion and working-class consciousness. The struggles of the Irish community in Britain, coupled with the broader labour movement’s battles, formed the backdrop to Mick’s formative years. It was in this crucible that his passion for workers’ rights and social justice was forged.
Whelan is not alone in his journey from immigrant roots to union leadership. The UK labour movement has been significantly shaped by leaders of Irish descent. From James Larkin, who founded the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union, to more recent figures like Len McCluskey, former General Secretary of Unite, the influence of Irish immigrants and their descendants on British trade unionism is profound.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of Irish involvement in the British labour movement,” Whelan notes. “I think it stems from our community’s experience of hardship and discrimination. We learned early on the importance of standing together and fighting for our rights.”
The Road to Aslef
Whelan’s path to union leadership was not a straight one. After leaving school, he worked various jobs before finding his way onto the railways. It was here that he found his calling, joining Aslef and quickly becoming involved in union activities.
“I started as a train driver in 1984,” Whelan recounts. “It was a time of great change and challenge in the industry. I saw first-hand the impact of privatisation and the erosion of workers’ rights. It lit a fire in me to get more involved in the union.”
Over the years, Whelan rose through the ranks of Aslef, holding various positions before being elected General Secretary in 2011. His ascent coincided with a period of increasing tension between rail workers and management, as cost-cutting measures and changes to working practices threatened job security and conditions.
The Perfect Storm: Causes of the Two-Year Strike
The industrial action that began in 2022 was the culmination of years of simmering discontent. At its core were three main issues: pay, job security, and working conditions.
“Our members hadn’t seen a real-terms pay increase in years,” Whelan explains. “Meanwhile, the cost of living was soaring. It wasn’t just about money, though. We were facing threats to job security through the closure of ticket offices and the introduction of driver-only operated trains. And there were attempts to change our working practices in ways that would have made our jobs more demanding and less safe.”
The COVID-19 pandemic had also exposed the essential nature of rail workers’ roles, while simultaneously putting unprecedented strain on the industry. As the country emerged from lockdowns, there was a sense among workers that their sacrifices during the crisis had not been adequately recognised or rewarded.
“We didn’t take the decision to strike lightly,” Whelan emphasises. “It was a last resort after months of fruitless negotiations. Our members felt they had no choice but to take a stand.”
The Impact on Passengers and the Public
The strike action had a profound impact on daily life across the UK. Commuters faced severe disruptions, with many forced to find alternative means of transport or work from home. The economic impact was significant, with businesses in city centres particularly hard hit by the reduction in footfall.
“We were always mindful of the impact on passengers,” Whelan says. “Many of our members are part of the communities they serve. They didn’t want to cause hardship, but they felt they had to fight for their livelihoods and the future of the rail industry.”
The strikes also sparked a national conversation about the state of public transport and workers’ rights. While some members of the public expressed frustration with the disruptions, there was also considerable sympathy for the strikers’ cause, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis deepened.
Political Interference and the Role of Government
One of the most contentious aspects of the dispute was the role played by the government. The Conservative administration, led first by Boris Johnson and then by Rishi Sunak, took a hard line against the unions, accusing them of holding the country to ransom.
“The government’s interference was unprecedented,” Whelan asserts. “They weren’t just supporting the rail companies; they were actively blocking attempts at resolution. It became clear that this wasn’t just about pay and conditions anymore. It was an ideological battle.”
The government’s stance included the introduction of minimum service levels legislation, which unions saw as an attempt to undermine their right to strike. This move only served to harden resolve on the picket lines.
A Tale of Two Resolutions: England vs Scotland and Wales
The resolution of the dispute highlighted the complexities of the UK’s devolved political system. While the strikes continued in England, agreements were reached much earlier in Scotland and Wales.
“The difference was stark,” Whelan observes. “In Scotland and Wales, where transport is devolved, we were able to negotiate directly with the authorities. They showed a willingness to listen and compromise that was sorely lacking from Westminster.”
The earlier resolutions in Scotland and Wales put additional pressure on the UK government and English rail companies to come to the negotiating table. It also raised questions about the future of rail management in England and whether greater devolution might lead to more harmonious industrial relations.
The Road to Resolution
The breakthrough in England came following the 2024 general election, which saw a change in government. The new Labour administration, led by Keir Starmer, had pledged to “reset” industrial relations in the rail sector.
“The change in government was crucial,” Whelan admits. “Suddenly, we had a partner willing to engage in genuine dialogue. It wasn’t an easy process — there were still tough negotiations — but there was a shared commitment to finding a solution.”
The deal that was finally struck addressed the key concerns of Aslef members. It included a significant pay rise, guarantees on job security, and commitments to maintain safety standards. Crucially, it also established new frameworks for ongoing dialogue between unions, rail companies, and the government.
Looking to the Future
As the dust settles on this historic dispute, Whelan is both reflective and forward-looking. “This has been a challenging time for everyone involved,” he says. “But I believe we’ve emerged stronger. We’ve shown the power of collective action and the importance of standing firm for what you believe in.”
The resolution of the strike action opens up new possibilities for the rail industry. There’s talk of increased investment in infrastructure, a renewed focus on passenger experience, and a more collaborative approach to industrial relations.
For Whelan, the journey from the streets of West London to the negotiating tables of Whitehall has been a long one. But as he looks back on the struggles and triumphs of the past two years, he sees echoes of the values instilled in him by his immigrant parents.
“At its heart, this was about dignity and fairness,” he concludes. “Those are values that transcend any one dispute or industry. They’re what the labour movement has always fought for, and what we’ll continue to fight for in the future.”
As Britain’s railways move into a new era, the legacy of Mick Whelan and the Aslef members who stood firm through two years of industrial action will undoubtedly shape the conversations and policies of the years to come. From the picket lines to progress, their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of organised labour in shaping a fairer society for all.
Bob Lynn / 20-Sep-2024
