Railway workers are due to announce the dates for the biggest train strike the UK has seen in decades, although there is hope talks could bring a breakthrough that would stop the industrial action.
Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members working for Network Rail and 13 train operators voted on May 24 to strike in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. Network Rail signalers are set to walk out, along with train staff employed by major operators including LNER, Northern, CrossCountry and Transpennine.
If the strike goes ahead, it follows industrial action by Transpennine staff over the Bank Holiday weekend, and an RMT strike on the London Underground on Monday June 6.
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The upcoming planned strike, which RMT indicated will happen in the middle of June, would be the biggest in decades if it goes ahead. A final date has not been set, but the RMT is due to meet this week, when it could decide to set a date or dates for the strike. Trade unions must give two weeks' notice before industrial action, so expect an announcement soon.
UK Rail Strike dates
When the RMT first announced the strike, it set a provisional date of "mid June". In reality, it looks like it will be late mid-June at the earliest. That's because unions have to give two weeks' notice when they announce strike dates. The RMT is due to meet on Tuesday June 7, when the union says it "will consider how to develop our campaign including the issue of setting dates for phases of industrial action".
If the RMT decides in that meeting to announce a strike date or dates, then Tuesday June 21 or Wednesday June 22 are the earliest days staff could walk out and join picket lines.
Could the train strike be called off?
There is hope that talks between the RMT and rail employers could end in an agreement to call off the strike. Speaking on Tuesday May 31, when the RMT decided to delay announcing strike dates, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said discussions are ongoing.
“Since the ballot results on 24th May, discussions have been taking place at industry-wide level under the auspices of the Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG) to create a framework and structure for negotiations on all issues in the dispute.
“RMT has today agreed to continue these discussions in order to create a framework for negotiations on all aspects of the dispute.
“The matter will be considered again by the RMT NEC (executive) on June 7 when we will consider how to develop our campaign, including the issue of setting dates for phases of industrial action.
“Our participation in the proposed discussions does not mean RMT has reached agreement with any of the train operating companies, Network Rail or with the Government’s current proposals.
“The union has the same position as it always has – to seek job security with a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies; that any changes to structures, working practices, or conditions have to be agreed with our union, not imposed; and that our members deserve a negotiated pay increase that addresses the rising cost of living.
“RMT will continue to make active preparations for a sustained campaign of industrial action while discussions continue.”
Speaking on May 31, a Network Rail spokesperson said: “We welcome today’s announcement from the RMT and look forward to more talks over the next few days. We hope that with common sense and a willingness to compromise on both sides, we can find a solution and avoid damaging strike action.”
A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: “We welcome the RMT leadership’s decision to agree to our request to engage in meaningful discussions and hope they will lead to the union removing the uncertainty of strikes for our passengers and our colleagues.
“We ask the unions to work with us to realistically address the serious financial challenges our industry faces post-Covid, and make the changes we need to secure the future of the industry and deliver a fair pay deal for our people.”
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