Transport sec hails end of 12-month Network Rail strikes
Ilaria Grasso MacolaTransport secretary Mark Harper has welcomed the union RMT’s decision to accept a renewed offer from Network Rail, bringing an end to the industrial dispute that has plagued the UK for the past 12 months.
In a turnout of around 90%, members of the transport union voted by 76% to 24% to accept the offer, which on average offers a 9% pay bump over two years.
“I am pleased Network Rail’s RMT members have voted to accept a fair and reasonable 5% plus 4% pay offer, over two years, that the government worked hard to facilitate,” Harper said on Monday (20 March).
Harper’s words were echoed by Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines, who said the announcement was “good news for our people, our passengers and our country”.
According to the union’s leadership, members voted overwhelmingly in favour after Network Rail improved the offer’s terms and conditions to include increased back pay as well as an uplift on salaries of 14.4% for the lowest grades. Network Rail also removed the clause which made the offer conditional on the RMT accepting its controversial “modernising maintenance” agenda.
The agenda included the removal of 12-hour shifts which was one of the main points of contention between the infrastructure body and the union. “Since the strike action and the inspiring solidarity and determination of members has secured new money and a new offer which has been clearly accepted by our members and that dispute is now over,” said RMT boss Mick Lynch.
Nevertheless, the RMT and 14 train operators are still embroiled in a long-standing row over pay and conditions.
Just last week, thousands of railway workers downed tools on 16 and 18 March after the Rail Delivery Group – which negotiates on behalf of train companies – didn’t put forward a new offer. “If the government now allows the train companies to make the right offer, we can then put that to our members but until then the strike action scheduled for 30 March and 1 April will take place,” added Lynch.
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