Rail Workers Vote for Six More Months of Strikes
English rail workers represented by the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT), have voted for another six months of potential strikes, extending an already long-running dispute. The dispute, which has lasted for nearly 18 months, centres around workers' demands for improved job security, pay, and conditions.
Over 20,000 RMT members across 14 different rail companies participated in the recent vote, achieving a 63.6% turnout, with an impressive 89.9% voted in favour of continued industrial action. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch stated that this constitutes a "decisive mandate."
The ongoing dispute has resulted in multiple strikes, causing significant disruptions to rail services. Lynch has emphasized that this mandate gives the union the leverage needed to secure an improved offer. He called on the government, which holds a contractual mandate over the train operating companies, to allow the Rail Delivery Group to present a revised offer to work towards a settlement. However, he cautioned that if no new offer is forthcoming, the RMT would take strike action once again in defence of its members' livelihoods.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) , who represent the rail companies, has expressed its awareness of the impact the ongoing industrial action is having on passengers, staff, and businesses relying on the rail service. RDG encouraged the RMT executive to end the dispute and put forward a deal that offers job security guarantees and a pay increase of up to 13% for the lowest-paid workers.
Although RMT members working for Network Rail resolved their dispute earlier in the year, other rail workers are yet to reach agreements with their employers. In addition to the RMT, members of the Aslef union, who represent drivers, have struggled to find common ground with employers.
The dispute reflects the broader issue of workers seeking pay adjustments to account for the rising cost of living, while the rail industry grapples with financial challenges.
No specific strike dates have been announced yet, but the RMT's decisive mandate allows them to schedule strikes in the lead-up to Christmas and beyond. Despite the challenges and ongoing disputes, both the union and the rail companies remain committed to finding a resolution to this issue.
