The railway workers union planning the biggest train strike in decades has offered to hold a face-to-face meeting with the Transport Secretary and Chancellor.
Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members are set to walk out for three days in June. Staff working for Network Rail and 13 train operators are due to join the strikes on Tuesday June 21, Thursday June 23 and Saturday June 25, which has led to transport providers urging passengers not to travel.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has written a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, offering sit-down talks, which could lead to the strike over pay, conditions and jobs being called off.
Read more: The trains and stations that will be affected if RMT strike goes ahead
Mr Lynch writes: "I am writing to seek an urgent meeting with the government, without any pre-conditions, to discuss the national rail disputes prior to the planned strike action next week and I would be grateful if this could be arranged without delay. As you will be aware both this year and last year, meetings have taken place under the Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG).
"...it has become obvious in our discussions with employers since the RMT ballot result that the government is retaining control over the conduct of negotiations with the RMT, and the Treasury in particular is calling the shots."
"In effect, in recent weeks the union has been negotiating with the government, but the government have not been in the room.
"I am now, therefore, calling for a meeting with you and the Chancellor Rishi Sunak. I also note the government have decided to have a parliamentary debate on the dispute today. So, as well as speaking at the despatch box about the dispute, I hope you will be able to speak to me directly about resolving the dispute."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Unions have gone on the record saying they don’t negotiate with this Government. They’re right: they must negotiate with the employers.
“The industry is offering daily talks to resolve the strikes. We continue to encourage the Unions to take them up on that offer and negotiate a fair deal for everyone instead of going straight to the last resort of strikes."
Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines told a briefing on Wednesday: “Talks have not progressed as far as I had hoped and so we must prepare for a needless national rail strike and the damaging impact it will have.
“We, and our train operating colleagues, are gearing up to run the best service we can for passengers and freight users next week despite the actions of the RMT.
“We will keep talking to try and find a compromise that could avert this hugely damaging strike but make no mistake, the level of service we will be able to offer will be significantly compromised and passengers need to take that into account and to plan ahead and only travel if it’s really necessary to do so.”
Read More:
- Rail strike June 2022: No Tyne and Wear Metro trains to Sunderland for three days during RMT train strike
- Newcastle council boss wants to 'redefine' city brand – and takes inspiration from Manchester worker bee
The eight new North East railway lines that could transform our region's train services by 2035
