Rail union negotiations back on track
TALKS in the bitter rail workers’ dispute will be held today, before fresh action threatening to hold up the nation.
Mick Lynch, General Secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), will meet new Transport Secretary Mark Harper – after accusing the Government of blocking progress in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.
The RMT has planned several 48-hour strikes in December and January at Network Rail and 14 train firms, plus a Christmas and New Year overtime ban.
In a slight to Mr Harper, Mr Lynch said: “This…process has become a farce only the Secretary of State can resolve.”
RMT official John Leach said: “Let’s hope that the third Secretary of State in less than six months has got something better to say than Grant Shapps.”
Responding to the criticisms, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “The essential discussions have to occur between the rail operating companies, Network Rail and the unions.”
Many services will be disrupted when drivers’ union Aslef at 11 train firms strike on Saturday in their own pay row.