Drivers at York-based train operator GNER have risen to the top of the wages league with a 20 per cent pay rise.
The deal affects about 250 drivers, boosting their salaries to £33,000 and putting them on a par with Eurostar workers who were previously the industry's biggest earners.
An official for drivers' union Aslef said it wanted the GNER deal to become a benchmark for the industry.
GNER, which is bidding to have its franchise renewed, is expected to hire more drivers following the new agreement with Aslef.
A recent advert by the company attracted 900 applications for eight vacancies.
A GNER spokesman said: "We are pleased with the relationship that we have built up with the unions since privatisation - there has not been one day's disruption caused by industrial action.
"This is a good example of our company's commitment to staff and we are pleased to have worked so closely with Aslef on this ground-breaking deal."
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