Train strike stalemate ends as RMT union votes in favour of latest pay offer
The train strike, which has sparked numerous strikes by railway workers over the past six months, may finally be over after RMT union members voted by a large majority in favor of Network Rail’s latest salary offer.
A total of 15,754 members voted, which corresponds to a turnout of almost 90 percent. 12,047 of those entitled to vote were in favor – a majority of 76:24 for ending the strike that began nine months ago.
In a statement, the union said: “The RMT National Executive has announced that the vote marks the end of the trade dispute with Network Rail.”
The deal includes a 9.2 percent pay rise for last year and this year, with an additional raise for lower-income workers and expanded discounted rail travel benefits.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “The strike action and inspiring solidarity and determination from members has secured new money and a new offer which has been unequivocally accepted by our members and that dispute is now over.”
Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines said: “I am delighted that RMT members were able to vote on this offer and the overwhelming approval is good news for our staff, our passengers and our country.
“My team and I will now fully focus on rebuilding our railroad so we can better serve our passengers and freight customers.”
The RMT remains in dispute with the 14 railway operators commissioned by the Ministry of Transport (DfT).
A “best and final offer” was made to the union last month by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents rail operators – and approved by ministers.
But the RMT leadership refused after what the union called “extensive consultation” with members.
Unlike Network Rail’s offer, the deal was not subject to a members’ referendum.
Mr Lynch described it as a “terrible offer”.
But after a large majority of Network Rail employees voted in favor of a settlement, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “RMT members who work for railway companies do not have an equal opportunity to settle their dispute.
“That’s because the RMT refused to put the Rail Delivery Group’s very similar offer to a vote and denied these members the pay rise they deserved.”
The latest nationwide wave of strikes began last Thursday, with strikes scheduled for Thursday 30 March and Saturday 1 April.
Mr Lynch said: “If the government now allows the rail companies to make the right offer we can make that to our members, but until then the strike action planned for 30 March and 1 April will take place.
“The ball is in the hands of the government.”