POWER CUTS FEARS OVER RAIL STRIKES
Union boss urges Government to back down
RAIL workers voted overwhelmingly to strike last night as a union boss warned blackouts, fuel shortages or empty shelves are a “realistic possibility”.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch spoke to the Mirror after closing a ballot of 40,000 workers and Network Rail staff – over pay, conditions and 2,500 maintenance job cuts.
Workers at 13 of the 15 balloted companies and Network Rail voted for a strike, with 89% in favour.
He said walkouts could begin next month and even last into next year or escalate into a general strike.
Mr Lynch said the DfT and train firms had told him they plan to “shut virtually every ticket office in Britain”.
He said it would mean the “end of passenger assistance”, forcing the elderly and vulnerable to use apps. A major walkout could cut services to a fifth of the weekday timetable.
A Government source yesterday downplayed claims of blackouts or empty shelves but rail chiefs were drawing up contingency plans.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Of course if it came to it we would prioritise the supply chain – food, freight transport and energy.”
However Mr Lynch added: “The freight companies who distribute oil and the food and materials necessary for the economy are worried that Network Rail and the Government will prioritise passenger services.”
The RMT wants job cuts reversed and a pay rise above RPI inflation – currently 11.1% – after two years of freezes. Mr Shapps said £16billion was invested in rail during Covid.
Passenger numbers are still below pre-Covid levels and Network Rail warned strikes will “harm the industry’s recovery”. But Mr Lynch said it was a “big lie” train firms are struggling after they made £100million profit while Network Rail subcontractors made £200m profit last year.
Mike Hewitson, of watchdog Transport Focus, said it was “crucial” the dispute was resolved “without bringing services to a standstill”.
Boris Johnson told Cabinet yesterday the railways need reform and there was “no justification” for strikes. The DfT urged unions: “Talk to us”.