The UK government has reached a significant pay deal with train drivers, offering a 14% salary increase over three years to resolve a prolonged dispute and prevent further strikes. While the Aslef union supports the agreement, which includes backdated pay, critics argue that it may encourage other public sector workers to seek similar raises, potentially straining public finances. The deal, praised for potentially stabilizing services, also includes compensation for drivers who have left the profession in the past two years. Critics, including former Tory officials, accuse Labour of capitulating to union demands without requiring reforms in return. The government insists that this agreement is part of a broader strategy to improve railway services while addressing economic concerns related to ongoing strikes. The exact funding mechanisms for the deal remain unclear amidst concerns over rising taxes and inflation.