Members of the RMT union have accepted pay offers from train operating companies and Network Rail, preventing further industrial action.
According to the agreement reached with train operators, train crews and ticket offices will receive a 4.5% increase for this financial year. Network Rail union members, mostly maintenance staff and signallers, will receive a 4.5% pay increase in this year.
The majority of staff at the ticket office, maintenance and signal operators voted for the deal: 89% and 99% respectively.
The RMT announced the ballot results would end the long-running national conflict and was the result unions’ efforts in defending jobs and pay from attacks by private contractors and previous Conservative governments.
Since June 2022, more than 30 days have been spent in industrial action over the dispute between Network Rail and rail operators. The rail sector experienced the biggest strikes since 1989 from 2022-2023, involving tens and thousands of workers in the UK.
The Rail Delivery Group held talks with last year and the industrial action was suspended. But only now is it being voted upon.
The RMT stated that its members’ determination was “essential” in navigating through the difficulties posed by negotiations, and particularly the refusal of the Tory government to negotiate in good-faith, along with relentless attacks from sections of the media, and employers.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said, “This is an important step in fixing our railways and moving the country forward.” This will help protect passengers against national strikes and, crucially, clear the way for reforms and modernising work practices that will result in a better performing railway for all.
The ballot began on Wednesday, the day after members of Aslef – the union for train drivers – accepted the pay offer. The drivers voted by a large majority to accept the 15% deal. This ended a bitter, two-year dispute. The drivers will get a 5% pay rise in 2022-23 and a 4.5% raise in 2023-24. They’ll also receive 4% for this year. The drivers will receive all payments retroactively and they can retire. They previously earned on average PS64,000.
ScotRail’s long-running pay dispute has also ended after the train drivers accepted an offer. Aslef, the drivers’ union, said that 75% of its members had voted in favor of the agreement. This will give staff a 4.5% pay rise retroactive to April.
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