RMT leader Mick Lynch on Wednesday warned it was “very likely” more train strikes were on the way – as he revealed he has turned down an invitation to appear at Glastonbury to focus on the pay battle with the Government.
He told LBC: “I was invited but I’m too busy and it’s a distraction. I do a lot of public events but I’m not doing Glastonbury this year. It’s too much of a distraction this year.”
He said rail unions were no nearer to ending their pay dispute, which is now in its second year.
Train staff have been offered a five per cent increase for 2022 and four per cent for 2023 but Mr Lynch said this was well below the rate of inflation. He said there had been “radio silence” with Transport Secretary Mark Harper since January and the 14 train firms had no ability to negotiate to improve the pay offer.
Mr Lynch said: “It’s very likely there will be more strike action by the RMT, I’m afraid.” No new dates have been announced.
Train drivers’ union Aslef announced an overtime ban from July 3 to 8, which is likely to cause chaos. Train firms rely on staff working overtime to fill shifts, especially on a Sunday.
He said the union, which represents train staff, station staff and cleaners, accepted the need to change working practices but said this had to be negotiated not imposed.
“We understand people are upset when we disrupt them on these strike days, but a lot of people support us,” he told Nick Ferrari.
“It would be nice to have public support, but public support doesn’t win this dispute or change this Government’s actions. They are clinging on like a zombie government.”
RMT members earning about £31,000 are thought to have lost £1,800 due to the numerous walkouts. “Strikes are a sacrifice, “Mr Lynch said. “I think it’s admirable what our members have done.”
He said he hoped to avoid next Christmas being hit by strikes, as happened during the previous festive period – which led him to be dubbed “Mick Grinch”. He said: “I can’t see the dispute ending quickly but I don’t want to be Mick Grinch.”
