Train strike breakthrough as Christmas and New Year chaos set to be avoided

08 November 2023 , 15:54

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The breakthrough comes after a year of strike action affecting the network (Image: Getty Images)

The threat of crippling rail strikes over Christmas and the New Year could be lifted after an important breakthrough yesterday (Wed).

The RMT union announced it had reached an outline agreement with train companies in a dispute that has dragged on for 18 months.

The Memorandum of Understanding includes a backdated 2022 pay rise and job security guarantees. It will now be put to RMT members to vote on. If accepted, it will pause the current threat of strikes over the Christmas period and into Spring next year.

Talks would then continue between the RMT and train companies which are part of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a welcome development and our members will now decide in an e-referendum whether they want to accept this new offer from the RDG.”

The vote of RMT members at 14 train companies closes on November 30. According to the union, the discussions would be aimed at addressing the companies’ proposals on the “changing needs and expectations of passengers as well as unlocking further increases for staff”.

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A separate dispute involving train drivers union Aslef is continuing. Aslef members are being balloted for a mandate to continue industrial action for another six months, with the result due in around a months’ time.

Insiders claim the offer to RMT members includes a 5% pay rise for 2022, 20 months of uncapped back pay, no compulsory redundancies, and no change to terms and conditions.

Talks would then commence on this year’s pay, but on a train company by train company basis. It comes after the Tories used this week’s King’s Speech to press ahead with plans to ensure a minimum level of service on strike days.

Unions would be forced to run at least 40% of trains. A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, said: “Following further negotiations between RDG and RMT, a Memorandum of Understanding on the current dispute has been developed which sets out a process for a mutually agreed way forward.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We welcome the RMT putting this fair and reasonable offer to its members in a referendum, marking a positive step towards resolving this dispute.

"The Rail Delivery Group’s offer guarantees no compulsory redundancies and a fair pay rise, while ensuring we can take forward much-needed reform to secure the future of our railways. We hope RMT members will recognise the benefits, accept this offer and put an end to the RMT’s industrial action."

Graham Hiscott