The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) train staff have voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of a deal to end their long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
Announced on Thursday, November 30, the deal marks the end of an 18-month dispute, with the RMT taking regular strike action.
“Our members have spoken in huge numbers to accept this unconditional pay offer and no compulsory redundancies until the end of 2024," said RMT Secretary-General Mick Lynch.
"I want to congratulate them on their steadfastness in this long industrial campaign."
He went on to state that there would be further negotiations with train operators on specific reforms.
“This campaign shows that sustained strike action and unity gets results and our members should be proud of the role they have played in securing this deal," Mr Lynch said.
Here's a look at the specifics of the offer, as well as which other unions are still striking.
What offer has the RMT accepted?
RMT union members have agreed to an offer from 14 train companies. This includes a backdated pay rise of 5 per cent for 2022-23 as well as job security guarantees.
However, the details of the pay rise for the current financial year are yet to be agreed upon. However, RMT members will not strike in the coming months. The deal is also dependent on changes to working practices.
Which unions are still striking?
While the RMT may have struck a deal, staff from another train union are still striking.
Aslef members have strike action planned for Saturday, December 2, with walkouts scheduled at East Midlands Railway (EMR) and London North Eastern Railway (LNER), as well as:
- at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink, and WMT on December 3
- at C2C and Greater Anglia on December 5
- at Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, the SWR main line and depot, and on the Island Line on December 6
- at CrossCountry and GWR on December 7
- at Northern and TPT on December 8
All Aslef members will also refuse to work any overtime from Friday, December 1 to Saturday, 9 December.
How long have RMT members been striking?
The RMT union has been striking for just under 18 months, since June 21, 2022.
Within this period, there have been 23 strikes, as well as a handful that were planned but ultimately called off.
It's worth noting that talks with train operators will continue into 2024.
