Newspapers in England are reporting that subway train drivers get paid more than pilots, doctors, police officers and nurses. Sunday Times newspaper reports that three highest-paid drivers on London Underground earned $130,000 last year. This included overtime, bonuses and pension payments. It is 69 per cent rise in pay since 2012. Journalists say basic salary of train driver is $70,000 a year. This is double average wage of nurse in London and more than what many airline pilots earn. The newspaper reports that police officers in London have starting salary of $28,000. In addition to their pay, London Underground train drivers get over eight weeks paid holiday year.
Many people think high salaries train drivers get are unfair. James Roberts of Tax-Payers' Alliance said: "These salaries are totally [wrong]....Increasingly, role of [subway train] driver is getting easier." He said that many train drivers no longer have to drive trains because many train lines are fully automated. He said drivers on automated train lines only have to open and close train doors. He was also surprised drivers were going on strike for more pay. train drivers' spokesman said their pay was for, " professionalism, and expertise...of delivering professional public service for hundreds of thousands of passengers travelling on Underground...every day."
