Rail Commuters Brace for More Disruptions as RMT Members Demand Fair Deal on Jobs, Pay, and Working Conditions
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), the UK's biggest railway workers' union, rejected the latest pay offers from train companies on Friday, triggering disappointment for commuters who have been facing sporadic strikes since last summer.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said the decision was made after a thorough consultation with the union's 40,000 rail staff members and the offers failed to meet their expectations.
Meanwhile, the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) representing train drivers said "thousands" of workers would be given a vote on the offers.
Transport minister Mark Harper said the RMT's decision was a "kick in the teeth" for passengers and workers and that the railway industry needed reform to be financially sustainable.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) representing train operators said it remained "willing to engage" further while the TSSA said it would continue to ballot for further industrial action.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said the decision was made after a thorough consultation with the union's 40,000 rail staff members and the offers failed to meet their expectations.
Meanwhile, the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) representing train drivers said "thousands" of workers would be given a vote on the offers.
Transport minister Mark Harper said the RMT's decision was a "kick in the teeth" for passengers and workers and that the railway industry needed reform to be financially sustainable.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) representing train operators said it remained "willing to engage" further while the TSSA said it would continue to ballot for further industrial action.