Mick Whelan, General Secretary of the train drivers' union ASLEF, has been in the news due to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, leading to significant strike actions across the UK rail network. Recently, ASLEF members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new pay deal, yet Whelan cautioned that it still represents a pay cut in real terms. The union has been engaged in a protracted conflict, with strikes planned to disrupt services, including a major effort to bring London to a standstill. Whelan has expressed confidence in the union's mandate but acknowledges the challenges ahead as negotiations continue.
Mick Whelan, born in 1960, has served as the General Secretary of ASLEF since 2011, making him the 18th person to hold this position. He has a background in the rail industry, having worked as a train driver and held various roles within the union prior to his current leadership. Whelan is known for his advocacy on behalf of train drivers, focusing on issues such as pay equity and working conditions, and has been a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the future of rail services in the UK.
