RMT Press Office:
Rail union RMT, will take nationwide strike action across the railways on 16 March after employers refused to put any new offers on the table.
The union which represents 40,000 workers across Network Rail and 14 train operators rejected offers from employers last week, as they did not meet the needs of members on pay, job security or working conditions.
Rail workers will now launch a programme of strike action and Network Rail members will commence an overtime ban effecting maintenance and operations work.
RMT is seeking an unconditional offer from rail operators and Network Rail.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Rail employers are not being given a fresh mandate by the government to offer our members a new deal on pay, conditions and job security.
“Therefore, our members will now take sustained and targeted industrial action over the next few months.
“The government can settle this dispute easily by unshackling the rail companies.
“However, its stubborn refusal to do so will now mean more strike action across the railway network and a very disruptive overtime ban.
“Ministers cannot continue to sit on their hands hoping this dispute will go away as our members are fully prepared to fight tooth and nail for a negotiated settlement in the months ahead.”