By RMT accused of ‘playing fast and loose with people’s Christmas’
The RMT union has rejected an offer from train operators, after their latest attempt to prevent the strikes sees the union dismiss the ‘unacceptable’ offer.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said it proposed pay increases of up to 8%, which would cover 2022 and 2023 pay awards, whilst making reforms.
However, the RMT, led by secretary general Mick Lynch, has turned it down.
Hundreds of thousands of workers across many departments are planning to strike this month and in January, with walkouts every day until Christmas.
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, accused the RMT of “playing fast and loose with people’s Christmas plans”.
He said: “This response from the RMT to a significantly enhanced offer exposes their true priority – using the British public and Network Rail workers as pawns in a fight with the government.
“What use is a referendum that means the strike disruption is inevitable?”.
The RMT said: “The RDG is offering 4% in 2022 and 2023 which is conditional on RMT members accepting vast changes to working practices, huge job losses, driver only operated (DOO) trains on all companies and the closure of all ticket offices.”
Mr Lynch added: “We have rejected this offer as it does not meet any of our criteria for securing a settlement on long term job security, a decent pay rise and protecting working conditions.
“The RDG and Department for Transport (DfT), who sets their mandate, both knew this offer would not be acceptable to RMT members.
“If this plan was implemented, it would not only mean the loss of thousands of jobs but the use of unsafe practices such as DOO and would leave our railways chronically understaffed.”
The RMT has demanded an urgent meeting with the RDG on Monday morning. In a statement posted on the RMT website, Mr Lynch said the talks would aim to secure “a negotiated settlement on job security, working conditions and pay.”
As the current strikes stand, commuters are facing disruption on 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 December, and 3, 4, 6 and 7 January.
