RMT Press Office:
Rail union, RMT has rejected the latest offers from both Network Rail and the train operating companies.
Following a wide ranging and in-depth consultation with every level of the union involved in the national rail dispute, the NEC decided to reject both offers on the basis that they do not meet members expectations on pay, job security or working conditions.
The union has also made it clear that it is seeking an unconditional pay offer, a job security agreement and no detrimental changes being imposed on members terms, conditions and working practices.
The union views Network Rail’s plans for maintenance, as unsafe, unhealthy for our members and unworkable.
RMT will now seek further meetings with Network Rail and RDG in order to work towards a negotiated settlement.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “We have carried out an in-depth consultation of our 40,000 members and the message we have received loud and clear is to reject these dreadful offers.
“Our members cannot accept the ripping up of their terms and conditions or to have safety standards on the railway put into jeopardy under the guise of so-called modernisation.
“If our union did accept these offers, we would see a severe reduction in scheduled maintenance tasks, making the railways less safe, the closure of all ticket offices and thousands of jobs stripped out of the industry when the railways need more investment not less.
“We have carried out an extensive listening exercise and our members have spoken.
“It is now time for the employers and the government to listen to railway workers in their tens of thousands.
“Our industrial campaign will continue for as long as it takes to get a negotiated settlement that meets our members reasonable expectations on jobs, pay and working conditions.”
END
RMT will begin to make preparations for a re-ballot when the existing strike mandate runs out in May.
