On May 4th, UK’s rail union RMT announced further strike action after the results of a re-ballot of members re-affirmed the mandate. Under British law, unions involved in disputes have to re-ballot their members every six months to legally continue with strikes and other forms of action. The union members work for 14 different train operating companies.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the overwhelming backing for further strike action across 14 train operating companies was a de-facto referendum on the dispute. All the ballots passed the 50 per cent participation threshold imposed by the government’s anti-trade union laws and included massive votes for further strike action.
“It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions,” Lynch said. “This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to face reality and make improved proposals.”
RMT has also called for an industry summit to end rail chaos and resolve toxic rail dispute as cost of dispute to taxpayers and business reaches £1.2 billion and even rail employers warn government approach could lead to even more strikes and cancellations.
They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers.
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary
Lynch wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport to call for an industry summit of unions, employers and government, with an independent chair if necessary. The call came as it was revealed in written evidence to MPs that representatives of all the train operating companies involved in the dispute have said that a cornerstone of the government’s strategy -its pending strikes minimum services legislation- could lead to more strikes and cancellations.
Over 90 per cent of rail workers said in a poll that the legislation would worsen industrial relations and prolong disputes. It was also revealed that the government’s approach to the dispute had cost taxpayers and the economy an eye watering £1.25bn whilst private train companies make hundreds of millions in profits with bumper pay rises for rail bosses.
“It has been business as usual for the private train companies who stand to have made over £400m in taxpayer funded profits by the end of the year with bosses receiving pay rises of between 15 – 275 per cent,” the letter said.
RMT already conducted a strike on Saturday May 13th, the same day as the Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool. The union said they had rejected the latest pay offer. According to news outlet The Mirror, the Aslef union has also confirmed three new strike dates in May and June to hit the FA Cup final and the Epsom Derby.
