Union to fix strike dates on railways
RAIL union chiefs will meet on Tuesday to fix a wave of summer strike dates that could cripple the network.
But the Rail, Maritime and Transport union is also calling for last-minute talks with Network Rail, which is in charge of infrastructure, and 15 train operators to try to reach a settlement.
The union legally has to give two weeks’ notice for industrial action, meaning walkouts could begin from mid-june.
Thousands of rail workers have voted for strikes after a month-long ballot.
The dispute is over pay and claims that Network Rail is planning to cut up to 2,500 jobs. Network Rail insists it has no plans for compulsory redundancies and is instead seeking more flexible working.
Ministers have warned of power blackouts, petrol shortages and empty shelves if strikes go ahead.
Urgent
In response, rail chiefs are drawing up emergency plans to prioritise freight on some routes in a bid to keep the country moving.
Passenger numbers are still below pre-covid levels and Network Rail has warned strikes will harm the industry’s recovery.
But unions say train firms made a £100million profit last year while Network Rail subcontractors made £200million profit.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the strike vote – the biggest endorsement for industrial action by rail workers since the network was privatised in the 1990s – vindicated the union’s approach.
He added: “Our NEC will now meet to discuss a timetable for strike action from mid-june but we hope ministers will encourage the employers to return to the negotiating table and hammer out a reasonable settlement with the RMT.”