Travellers are set to face yet more train disruption next month, as two further strike days have been announced by one of the industry's biggest unions. Network Rail and 14 train operators will be affected by the industrial action on August 18 and August 20.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) says its members have voted to strike in the ongoing row over jobs, pay and working conditions. RMT members previously went on strike on June 21, 23 and 25, causing widespread travel disruption.
The union also yesterday (July 13) announced a further walkout to take place on July 27. Last time, RMT members at that firm had only voted for action short of a strike but they were re-balloted.
The announcement came after RMT talks over pay, conditions and maintenance job cuts remained unresolved. RMT chiefs rejected a new offer from Network Rail which they described as "paltry".
It was for a 4% pay rise backdated to January, another 2% next year and a further 2% conditional on achieving "modernisation milestones".
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The rail industry and the Government need to understand that this dispute will not simply vanish.
“They need to get serious about providing an offer on pay which helps deal with the cost-of-living crisis, job security for our members and provides good conditions at work. Recent proposals from Network Rail fell well short on pay and on safety around maintenance work.
“And the train operating companies have not even made us a pay offer in recent negotiations.
“Now Grant Shapps (Transport Secretary) has abandoned his forlorn hopes for the job of prime minister, he can now get back to his day job and help sort this mess out. We remain open for talks, but we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement.”
Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “By announcing even more strike dates, the RMT has dropped any pretence that this is about reaching a deal. It’s clear the best interests of passengers and our staff are taking second place to the union’s bosses’ political campaign.“
The companies involved in the RMT strikes are: Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, South Eastern, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and GTR (including Gatwick Express).
The drivers’ union Aslef earlier announced its members at eight train companies will strike on July 30 in the same dispute.
