Rail union barons are blasted as it emerges 'dozens' of train drivers earn ... trends now
Rail union barons were today condemned for pressing ahead with crippling strikes as it emerged that 'dozens' of train drivers earn £100,000 or more.
Downing Street led a chorus of outrage at the industrial action taking place today and tomorrow, which will hit Ukrainian refugees with tickets to tomorrow's Eurovision Song Contest final.
It also emerged that the militant RMT union is losing hundreds of members amid complaints that they cannot afford to carry on striking during a cost of living crisis.
The rail network in England ground to a halt earlier today as thousands of train drivers, represented by the Aslef union, went on strike.
Tomorrow around 20,000 RMT members will walk out, hitting Eurovision concert-goers.
Empty platforms at London Paddington railway station this morning on a day of strike action
The event is being hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine because of Russia's invasion and ministers have arranged for displaced Ukrainians to receive subsidised tickets.
Industry sources revealed that when overtime working, allowances and pension contributions are included many train drivers rake in total earnings of six figures.
A senior rail source told the Mail: 'It's the overtime which really helps the drivers go from an average of about £60,000 to well over £100,000.
'There are definitely dozens of them on £100,000 or more, that's what makes this walkout even more outrageous.'
Earlier today, rail minister Huw Merriman accused Aslef bosses of being 'unreasonable' for snubbing an 8 per cent pay rise offer which would take the typical drivers' salary from £60,000 to £65,000 for a four-day week.
Rail minister Huw Merriman accused Aslef bosses of being 'unreasonable'
Along with the RMT, it has refused to put the offer to its members in a vote.
Mr Merriman pointed out that drivers' pay has already rocketed nearly 40 per cent since 2011.
He told the BBC: 'We're calling for these two union leaders to let their members decide if these offers are fair and reasonable.
'It's a well-paid job and would be even more well paid if they accept this.
'I'm just really disappointed that for really difficult appointments – hospitals, people going to school – they won't be able to get there.
'The unions have picked not just Eurovision but the FA Cup Final [for strike action].
'So they either don't have a particularly
