Rail strikes: RMT union rejects offer to end Christmas strikes

Talks to prevent rail strikes ahead of Christmas are expected to resume on Monday after union RMT rejected an initial offer from the group representing rail companies. The latest round of strikes by union members at 14 rail companies and Network Rail is due to start in eight days. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said its offer would allow for a wage increase of 4% this year and another 4% next year. However, the RMT said the offer did not meet the RMT's criteria for wages and working conditions. The industrial action is to take place in four 48-hour periods: 13./14. December, 16./17. December, 3rd/4th January and 6./7. January. Industry circles said that the strikes must be canceled by the end of Monday to avoid disruption to passengers. The RDG, which represents the 14 rail operators, has proposed a series of changes to working practices that would fund a 4% wage increase for staff this year backdated to the start of the fiscal year and a further 4% next year. These include the repurposing or closure of ticket offices, new roles for multi-skilled staff and the introduction of Sunday work where this is not already the case. RDG's other proposals to "secure the future of the industry" include having drivers operate train doors in more areas, although it insists train attendants will remain on board. The group suggested the use of part-time contracts and flexible work patterns, which would help attract a more diverse workforce that could balance their shifts with other commitments. In addition, there should be no redundancies until April 2024. The RDG called on the union "not to upset the travel plans of millions of people and not to create real difficulties for companies that depend on the holiday season". When do the rail strikes take place? Passengers warned of disturbances in train traffic at Christmas Pub boss warns train strikes could ruin Christmas However, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the proposals were not acceptable to union members. "We rejected this offer because it did not meet any of our criteria for an agreement on long-term job security, a decent wage increase and protection of working conditions," he said. Lynch added that implementing the plan would mean "not just the loss of thousands of jobs", e.g. by closing ticket offices, but also by using "unsafe practices" such as B. the use of trains with pure drivers. However, the RDG explained that crew-only trains are already used on 45% of routes and "do not endanger the safety of passengers". Incredibly disappointing Transport Secretary Mark Harper called the RMT's rejection "incredibly disappointing". He added that the government will continue to play its role in facilitating talks between unions and employers. The RDG bid is unrelated to negotiations with Network Rail, which runs railways across the UK and employs signaling and maintenance workers - about half of the workers affected by the conflict. On Sunday, Network Rail made what it described as its 'best and last' offer to its employees, which included a pay rise of 5% this year and 4% next year and no redundancies for general and non-commercial employees inspectors until January 31, 2025. The RMT's national executive committee will consider Network Rail's proposal on Monday.