Rail workers represented by the RMT union have voted to accept pay offers from train companies and Network Rail, marking an end to the national strikes that have plagued passengers for the past two years. The pay deals will result in pay increases of over 4% for members, with 89% of Network Rail staff and 99% of train crew and ticket office staff voting in favor of the agreements.
The RMT stated that the outcome reflects their collective efforts to defend jobs and pay conditions from attacks by private contractors and the previous Conservative government. The union has held over 30 days of industrial action since June 2022, but deals were reached with Network Rail in March and with operators in November of last year.
The pay increases will see Network Rail staff receive a 4.5% raise this year, while train crew and ticket office staff will receive a 4.75% backdated increase for last year and a 4.5% rise for the current financial year. The RMT expressed gratitude to their members for their efforts during the campaign and affirmed their commitment to supporting public ownership in the rail industry.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh welcomed the acceptance of the pay offers, stating that it clears the way for vital reform and modernizing working practices in the railway industry. The Labour government aims to avoid the mistakes of the previous Conservative government, which exacerbated rail strikes and caused significant economic losses. Additional good news came as train drivers represented by the Aslef union also voted to back a pay deal, ending 18 days of strike action that had severely disrupted train services.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
