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Author Topic: Rail unions strike action 2022/2023/2024  (Read 81757 times)
grahame
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« Reply #150 on: June 25, 2022, 12:54:32 »

Oops, ta, forgot that directly pasting links isn't good. Here you are.

https://fullfact.org/economy/RMT-strike-salary/

Still doesn't work.

Looks like the original is designed to work only when you navigate to it from the site indexes and not as a landing page.

Mirror for Coffee Shop members at http://www.passenger.chat/RMT-strike-salary.pdf
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ChrisB
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« Reply #151 on: July 01, 2022, 19:32:21 »

From the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) News website

Quote
Rail strikes: No rush to call for more action, says union

A rail workers' union has said it is "not in any rush" to call for further strikes in July, following last week's walkouts which caused significant disruption across the UK (United Kingdom).

Eddie Dempsey, senior assistant general secretary at the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers), said the union did not "take these steps lightly".

Mr Dempsey, who is also leading talks with Network Rail, said it had been an intense week of discussions.

The two sides are trying to reach an agreement to prevent further strikes.

Thousands of members of the RMT who work for Network Rail and 13 train companies walked out on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday last week as part of a dispute over job cuts, pay and conditions.

Half of the rail network was closed on strike days, while the knock-on impact meant services were also disrupted on the following days.

The union has warned more strike action could follow.

However, when asked on the BBC's Today programme whether there could be further strikes in July, Mr Dempsey said: "We've told people we're not in any rush.

"I think we've made a pretty emphatic point with the strike action we put on. We don't take these steps lightly. We're in no rush to run into the boardroom and name further action."

The RMT and Network Rail are initially trying to reach an agreement on job security, before discussing pay and conditions.

Mr Dempsey said the discussions this week had been "fairly intense".

"We're progressing in terms of discussions. There are some fundamental issues of difficulty between us still, and that's why we're seeking feedback, but we haven't gotten onto the question of pay yet," Mr Dempsey said.

"That's going to be a really important issue, and whether or not there can be an offer that satisfies our people, we will have to wait and see."

Talks 'constructive'

It came as the lead negotiator for Network Rail, Tim Shoveller, said he was "cautiously optimistic" that an agreement would be reached with the RMT union to prevent further strikes.

Speaking to the Today programme, Mr Shoveller said talks since last week's walkouts had been "constructive".

On 20 June, the day before the first rail strike, Network Rail gave the RMT a letter inviting them to a formal consultation meeting on 1 July about introducing reforms to working practices which would involve job losses.

A spokesperson told the BBC this week that although the letter had not been withdrawn, all sides had agreed to temporarily set it aside to enable talks to continue, and it would only come into play if talks stalled.

Mr Shoveller confirmed to the BBC that the meeting originally planned for this morning to formally start that process would no longer take place.

He said there was "no need" for it, as the best way to find a conclusion was through negotiation. He added that "the letter remains in place, but at the moment that is not preventing us from having the conversations we need to have".

Mr Shoveller described this as a "pragmatic position" after "pragmatic conversations" with the RMT this week, and there was no need to start that formal consultation for the moment.
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broadgage
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« Reply #152 on: July 04, 2022, 16:49:30 »

I have now heard of ANOTHER case of ex railway workers leaving the railway for alternative work.

Two young men, previously employed on p-way maintenance in Scotland. They considered that "the railway" were a bad employer who treated staff very badly. Harsh weather is to be expected and not the employers fault, but unsuitable and uncomfortable workwear IS the employers fault. And the lack of welfare facilities is also the fault of the employers.

They now work for the local utility company, primarily on overhead line maintenance and repair, so still exposed to similar bad weather. But better clothed and equipped for the conditions. The employer provides a choice of workwear, with the only strict rule that it must be fire retardant. Employees own clothing worn under the issued workwear must be in natural fibres in case of fire. 100% cotton long underwear is favored in moderately cold weather, with similar garments in 100% wool for more severe conditions.
The mobile "welfare unit" is much better than anything provided by the railway. It is a light truck fitted with cooking facilities, an effective heater, and storage.

They actually ENJOYED storm Arwen !
"loadsa overtime"
" interesting challenges"
"great fun"
" The manager took us all to the pub afterwards"
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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« Reply #153 on: July 04, 2022, 20:28:37 »

I have now heard of ANOTHER case of ex railway workers leaving the railway for alternative work.

Two young men, previously employed on p-way maintenance in Scotland. They considered that "the railway" were a bad employer who treated staff very badly. Harsh weather is to be expected and not the employers fault, but unsuitable and uncomfortable workwear IS the employers fault. And the lack of welfare facilities is also the fault of the employers.

They now work for the local utility company, primarily on overhead line maintenance and repair, so still exposed to similar bad weather. But better clothed and equipped for the conditions. The employer provides a choice of workwear, with the only strict rule that it must be fire retardant. Employees own clothing worn under the issued workwear must be in natural fibres in case of fire. 100% cotton long underwear is favored in moderately cold weather, with similar garments in 100% wool for more severe conditions.
The mobile "welfare unit" is much better than anything provided by the railway. It is a light truck fitted with cooking facilities, an effective heater, and storage.

They actually ENJOYED storm Arwen !
"loadsa overtime"
" interesting challenges"
"great fun"
" The manager took us all to the pub afterwards"

Given that there is a shortage of workers and money is tight this is what employers will have to do to ensure they have enough staff.  Provide good working conditions (as good as is possible given the nature of the work) and treat them well. On pay it is more difficult, but if people cannot survive of the wages offered they will walk. If someone still needs to claim benefits after working a full time then the employer is having a laugh at both the employee and the taxpayer's expense. 
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broadgage
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« Reply #154 on: July 04, 2022, 21:18:33 »

In the case above, the move from the railway to the power company was not due to better wages, the pay is "about the same"
Railway management were considered "unhelpful" and "looking for a fight" and generally disliked. Any complaints about unsuitable clothing or boots, and lack of welfare facilities was blamed upon the bad weather.

The utility company by contrast issued better workwear, waterproof boots, and provided various forms of mobile welfare unit.
They even subsidise the purchase of long underwear for outdoor work. "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing"

One manager, not equipped for outdoor work, did cook a hot meal for the team. Another manager give an extra half day off work and paid for food and drink in the pub.


After any major incident such as storm Arwen, a "recovery day" is declared. This is NOT an extra day off, it is a working day but confined to the depot. The day is spent carefully examining work vehicles for any defects or damages acquired during extreme use. Minor repairs are performed or the vehicle sent away for any major repairs. Company tools and equipment are examined in detail and any deficiencies dealt with. Personal tool kits are likewise inspected and replacements supplied if needed.
Supplies of spares and consumables in work vehicles are then checked and replenished as needed.
Workwear is inspected and laundered or replaced as needed.
Finally depot stocks of spares and consumables are carefully checked for both quantity and condition.

This avoids future incidents like "Alfie, bring me three fuses, type XXYY"  Oh dear we only have one left, I think we used loads in the flood at AABB.


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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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« Reply #155 on: July 05, 2022, 06:23:33 »

I have now heard of ANOTHER case of ex railway workers leaving the railway for alternative work.

Two young men, previously employed on p-way maintenance in Scotland. They considered that "the railway" were a bad employer who treated staff very badly. Harsh weather is to be expected and not the employers fault, but unsuitable and uncomfortable workwear IS the employers fault. And the lack of welfare facilities is also the fault of the employers.

They now work for the local utility company, primarily on overhead line maintenance and repair, so still exposed to similar bad weather. But better clothed and equipped for the conditions. The employer provides a choice of workwear, with the only strict rule that it must be fire retardant. Employees own clothing worn under the issued workwear must be in natural fibres in case of fire. 100% cotton long underwear is favored in moderately cold weather, with similar garments in 100% wool for more severe conditions.
The mobile "welfare unit" is much better than anything provided by the railway. It is a light truck fitted with cooking facilities, an effective heater, and storage.

They actually ENJOYED storm Arwen !
"loadsa overtime"
" interesting challenges"
"great fun"
" The manager took us all to the pub afterwards"

In the case above, the move from the railway to the power company was not due to better wages, the pay is "about the same"
Railway management were considered "unhelpful" and "looking for a fight" and generally disliked. Any complaints about unsuitable clothing or boots, and lack of welfare facilities was blamed upon the bad weather.

The utility company by contrast issued better workwear, waterproof boots, and provided various forms of mobile welfare unit.
They even subsidise the purchase of long underwear for outdoor work. "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing"

One manager, not equipped for outdoor work, did cook a hot meal for the team. Another manager give an extra half day off work and paid for food and drink in the pub.


After any major incident such as storm Arwen, a "recovery day" is declared. This is NOT an extra day off, it is a working day but confined to the depot. The day is spent carefully examining work vehicles for any defects or damages acquired during extreme use. Minor repairs are performed or the vehicle sent away for any major repairs. Company tools and equipment are examined in detail and any deficiencies dealt with. Personal tool kits are likewise inspected and replacements supplied if needed.
Supplies of spares and consumables in work vehicles are then checked and replenished as needed.
Workwear is inspected and laundered or replaced as needed.
Finally depot stocks of spares and consumables are carefully checked for both quantity and condition.

This avoids future incidents like "Alfie, bring me three fuses, type XXYY"  Oh dear we only have one left, I think we used loads in the flood at AABB.

With regards PPE (clothing) yes the basic issue is not always what is required for certain rolls; however, the PPE catalogue has a very wide range of PPE to suite all weather conditions.   The only teams mandated to wear arc flash PPE are Distribution staff who work in high Voltage substations.

Welfare facilities are recognised in the railway industry as a challenge, a lot of work has been done in recent years to improve things.  There is an internal phone app that gives detail of the nearest welfare to where you are including any information like lock combination numbers.  Welfare vans are available in each delivery unit and a local manager can order more from hire companies.  For longer duration work port-a-potties are provided along the worksite with larger facilities at signing on points.

Like any large employer there are going to be good, bad or indifferent management
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broadgage
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« Reply #156 on: July 05, 2022, 07:00:07 »

The utility workers to whom I referred are required in general to wear arc flash resistant clothing, in hot weather this may be removed if not working near live equipment.

Employees own clothing MUST BE of 100% natural fibres in case of arc flash accidents. broadgage suggested a supplier of 100% cotton long underwear, most sold in the UK (United Kingdom) contains polyester or other fake stuff.

The welfare vans are well equipped. Self heating tinned food is very much appreciated for quick hot snacks in bad weather.

The main problem is toilet facilities. Portable toilets of the Turdis type are available but in stormy weather tend to blow away. At least one was destroyed and another one never seen again. "Probably in Norway by now"
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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« Reply #157 on: July 13, 2022, 19:43:33 »

Need to update the header subjectnow. New RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) strike day announced for July 27.

From BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) News

Quote
Rail strike: New walkout to take place on 27 July

Railway workers are to stage a one-day strike on 27 July as part of an ongoing dispute over pay, jobs and conditions, the RMT union says.

It comes after thousands of train operator and Network Rail workers walked out during national strike action in June.

The strikes caused disruption for millions of commuters.

Earlier this week, Network Rail made workers a fresh pay offer it said was worth more than 5%.

But the offer depended on workers accepting "modernising reforms".

RMT leaders rejected the new offer describing it as "paltry".

It also said it would consult other unions with mandates for strike action in the coming days.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members and the paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.

"The train operating companies remain stubborn and are refusing to make any new offer which deals with job security and pay," he added.

"Strike action is the only course open to us to make both the rail industry and government understand that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes, until we get a negotiated settlement."

Last month Britain's rail network was brought close to a standstill as tens of thousands of rail workers walked out in what unions said was the biggest rail strike in 30 years.

The RMT held three strikes over the course of a week, severely disrupting services across the country.

The union, whose members include everyone from guards and signallers to catering staff and cleaners, is looking for a pay rise of at least 7%.

It also wants a written guarantee from Network Rail that no compulsory redundancies will be made as part of planned reforms.

So far the government has rejected the union's demands to negotiate with it directly.

In June, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps accused the RMT of "damaging people's lives".

And the RMT's version

Quote
13 July 2022

RMT Press Office:

RMT calls 24 hours strike action after rejecting "paltry" Network Rail offer.

Railway workers will once again take strike action over job security, pay and working conditions on Wednesday July 27.

The 24-hour stoppage comes after Network Rail made an offer of 4pc in the first year followed by a possible 4pc in the second year, conditional on RMT members accepting all attacks on their terms and conditions.

RMT has yet to receive a pay offer or guarantees over job losses from the train operating companies (TOCs (Train Operating Company)).

Network Rail members will strike from 2am on Wednesday July 27 for 24 hours. And members on the TOCs will take action from 00.01 until 23:59 on the 27 July.

We will also be consulting other unions that have delivered mandates for strike action in the coming days.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members and the paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.

"We have made progress on compulsory redundancies. But Network Rail are still seeking to make our members poorer when we have won in some cases double what they are offering, with other rail operators.

"The train operating companies remain stubborn and are refusing to make any new offer which deals with job security and pay.

"Strike action is the only course open to us to make both the rail industry and government understand that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes, until we get a negotiated settlement.

"The public who will be inconvenienced by our strike action need to understand that it is the government's shackling of Network Rail and the TOCs that means the rail network will be shut down for 24 hours.

"We remain open for further talks."

I understand the offer was 5% with strings attached.
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bobm
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« Reply #158 on: July 13, 2022, 20:32:43 »

Title updated. (When does Autumn start?)
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ChrisB
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« Reply #159 on: July 13, 2022, 20:46:36 »

September, I think
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PhilWakely
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« Reply #160 on: July 13, 2022, 22:53:21 »

Title updated. (When does Autumn start?)

September, I think

Astronomically    - 21st September;
Meteorologically  - 1st September.
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« Reply #161 on: July 14, 2022, 05:51:33 »

Need to update the header subjectnow. New RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) strike day announced for July 27.

From BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) News

Quote
Rail strike: New walkout to take place on 27 July

Railway workers are to stage a one-day strike on 27 July as part of an ongoing dispute over pay, jobs and conditions, the RMT union says.

It comes after thousands of train operator and Network Rail workers walked out during national strike action in June.

The strikes caused disruption for millions of commuters.

Earlier this week, Network Rail made workers a fresh pay offer it said was worth more than 5%.

But the offer depended on workers accepting "modernising reforms".

RMT leaders rejected the new offer describing it as "paltry".

It also said it would consult other unions with mandates for strike action in the coming days.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members and the paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.

"The train operating companies remain stubborn and are refusing to make any new offer which deals with job security and pay," he added.

"Strike action is the only course open to us to make both the rail industry and government understand that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes, until we get a negotiated settlement."

Last month Britain's rail network was brought close to a standstill as tens of thousands of rail workers walked out in what unions said was the biggest rail strike in 30 years.

The RMT held three strikes over the course of a week, severely disrupting services across the country.

The union, whose members include everyone from guards and signallers to catering staff and cleaners, is looking for a pay rise of at least 7%.

It also wants a written guarantee from Network Rail that no compulsory redundancies will be made as part of planned reforms.

So far the government has rejected the union's demands to negotiate with it directly.

In June, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps accused the RMT of "damaging people's lives".

And the RMT's version

Quote
13 July 2022

RMT Press Office:

RMT calls 24 hours strike action after rejecting "paltry" Network Rail offer.

Railway workers will once again take strike action over job security, pay and working conditions on Wednesday July 27.

The 24-hour stoppage comes after Network Rail made an offer of 4pc in the first year followed by a possible 4pc in the second year, conditional on RMT members accepting all attacks on their terms and conditions.

RMT has yet to receive a pay offer or guarantees over job losses from the train operating companies (TOCs (Train Operating Company)).

Network Rail members will strike from 2am on Wednesday July 27 for 24 hours. And members on the TOCs will take action from 00.01 until 23:59 on the 27 July.

We will also be consulting other unions that have delivered mandates for strike action in the coming days.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members and the paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.

"We have made progress on compulsory redundancies. But Network Rail are still seeking to make our members poorer when we have won in some cases double what they are offering, with other rail operators.

"The train operating companies remain stubborn and are refusing to make any new offer which deals with job security and pay.

"Strike action is the only course open to us to make both the rail industry and government understand that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes, until we get a negotiated settlement.

"The public who will be inconvenienced by our strike action need to understand that it is the government's shackling of Network Rail and the TOCs that means the rail network will be shut down for 24 hours.

"We remain open for further talks."

I understand the offer was 5% with strings attached.

The "strings" being modernisation. Not something the RMT are keen on.
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plymothian
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« Reply #162 on: July 14, 2022, 22:46:59 »

The RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) will instruct all grades at NR» (Network Rail - home page) and TOCs (Train Operating Company) in dispute to walk out on 18th and 20th August.

ASLEF» (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen - about) will strike on 30th July.
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« Reply #163 on: July 19, 2022, 13:40:02 »

From The Telegraph, via MSN -

Quote
Take it or leave it, Network Rail tells striking workers

Network Rail has insisted it will not improve its pay deal for staff in an ultimatum that raises the spectre of strike action lasting throughout the summer and into the autumn.

Andrew Haines, chief executive of the state-backed owner of tracks and stations, has today told staff that there are "no significantly better deals".

In an internal email to staff, seen by The Telegraph, Mr Haines said that last week’s pay offer of an average of 5pc is the best Network Rail can offer.

“Anyone who truly believes that there can be a pay offer that meets or exceeds the highest levels of inflation for a generation, is not being realistic,” he said.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport workers union (RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers)), the protagonist of the industrial action to date, rejected the Network Rail deal and announced a fresh wave of walkouts on July 27, and August 18 and 20.

Drivers union Aslef will also strike on July 30.

Mr Haines continued: “I have to level with you; there are no significantly better deals out there for us right now. I am sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear with inflation as high as it is. But it is true.

“Commuters and business travellers show no signs of returning to their pre-pandemic travel habits. And that’s what forms the backbone of the railway’s fares income.

“In fact, it’s worse than that. If talks break down now, our financial situation gets worse. The cost of strike action has already exceeded £100m - as well as causing misery for millions of passengers and harming the reputation of our railway. Each of those pounds lost is a pound we can no longer give to you through a pay offer.

“I don’t say this as a threat, it's simply the reality we face.” 

The RMT has previously warned that it has a mandate to bombard commuters with waves of strikes until Christmas.

Asked if last month if passengers should expect a "long fight", Mr Lynch told the i newspaper: “That may have to be the way that is, I hope that’s not the case, but there doesn’t seem to be much evidence at the moment that it’s going to go any other way."

Last week’s Network Rail “final offer” included a 5pc pay rise, heavily discounted train travel for family members and cash bonuses of up to £900. The state-owned company also ruled out compulsory redundancies for the next two years.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of RMT said: “The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members, and the paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.”

Train operators are yet to offer similar terms.

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« Reply #164 on: July 19, 2022, 16:25:13 »

From The Telegraph, via MSN -

Quote
Take it or leave it, Network Rail tells striking workers

Network Rail has insisted it will not improve its pay deal for staff in an ultimatum that raises the spectre of strike action lasting throughout the summer and into the autumn.

Andrew Haines, chief executive of the state-backed owner of tracks and stations, has today told staff that there are "no significantly better deals".

In an internal email to staff, seen by The Telegraph, Mr Haines said that last week’s pay offer of an average of 5pc is the best Network Rail can offer.

“Anyone who truly believes that there can be a pay offer that meets or exceeds the highest levels of inflation for a generation, is not being realistic,” he said.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport workers union (RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers)), the protagonist of the industrial action to date, rejected the Network Rail deal and announced a fresh wave of walkouts on July 27, and August 18 and 20.

Drivers union Aslef will also strike on July 30.

Mr Haines continued: “I have to level with you; there are no significantly better deals out there for us right now. I am sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear with inflation as high as it is. But it is true.

“Commuters and business travellers show no signs of returning to their pre-pandemic travel habits. And that’s what forms the backbone of the railway’s fares income.

“In fact, it’s worse than that. If talks break down now, our financial situation gets worse. The cost of strike action has already exceeded £100m - as well as causing misery for millions of passengers and harming the reputation of our railway. Each of those pounds lost is a pound we can no longer give to you through a pay offer.

“I don’t say this as a threat, it's simply the reality we face.” 

The RMT has previously warned that it has a mandate to bombard commuters with waves of strikes until Christmas.

Asked if last month if passengers should expect a "long fight", Mr Lynch told the i newspaper: “That may have to be the way that is, I hope that’s not the case, but there doesn’t seem to be much evidence at the moment that it’s going to go any other way."

Last week’s Network Rail “final offer” included a 5pc pay rise, heavily discounted train travel for family members and cash bonuses of up to £900. The state-owned company also ruled out compulsory redundancies for the next two years.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of RMT said: “The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members, and the paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.”

Train operators are yet to offer similar terms.



Except the pay raise offered is not technically an average of a 5%
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