Back to the 1970s...
Rail union plans biggest strike in its history
UNION bosses were blasted yesterday for threatening one of the biggest rail strikes in modern history.
The RMT is considering stopping 15 train services in June, bringing the country to a “standstill”.
The union has blamed Network Rail’s plan to cut 2,500 maintenance jobs as part of a £2billion reduction in spending.
A ballot of 40,000 train workers opens on April 26 and closes on May 24, meaning strike action could begin the following month.
Andrew Bridgen, Tory MP for North West Leicestershire, accused RMT of dragging the country “back to the 1970s” with its strike threats. He said: “Just two years ago the rail network was on its knees due to a worldwide pandemic.
“We have changed the way we live our lives. It’s taking time for the public to start trusting the railways once more. The last thing we need is the RMT taking industrial action. People will only use rail travel if it is dependable.
“Well-paid staff taking strike action will do nothing to enhance the public’s trust.
“Do the RMT want to take us back to the 1970s with carriages as empty as ghost trains?”
Govia Thameslink Railway, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains could all be hit, meaning crippling delays for hundreds of thousands of commuters and travellers.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Railway workers have had to contend with pay freezes, the prospect of losing their jobs and repeated attacks on terms and conditions.
“Removing 2,500 safety-critical jobs will spell disaster for the public, make accidents more likely, and will increase the possibility of trains flying off the tracks. A national rail strike will bring the country to a standstill, but our members’ livelihoods and passenger safety are our priorities.”
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s regional director, said: “We are disappointed that the RMT has taken this decision and urge them again to work with us, not against us, as we build an affordable railway fit for the future.”
Members of Unite employed at Transport for London and London Underground are also set to vote on strike action in the coming weeks.
The union said workers have been told that the value of pensions will be cut and a final salary scheme will end.
● UK workers at pharmaceutical giant GSK have voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
Unite said its members recorded an 86 per cent vote in favour of action in response to a “derisory” pay offer of 2.75 per cent.
40,000 rail staff will be balloted next week on strike action
15 train services across the country could grind to a halt in June
THE trade union threatening to bring the country to a halt in June with the biggest rail strike in modern history should abandon this ghastly notion that would spread misery and hurt the economy.
There is nothing to be gained from dragging Britain back to the 1970s and halting a vital public service. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers already has a reputation for militancy but bringing 15 train services to a halt when the sector is struggling to recover from the legacy of the pandemic would be an act of self-sabotage.