Are rail talks back on track?
RAIL union chiefs will give workers a vote on whether to accept the latest pay offer from Network Rail – boosting hopes that crippling walkouts could soon end.
The RMT union said it will put the latest offer to members in a referendum from today until March 20. Crucially, it will not advise workers whether to vote for or reject the offer.
A referendum held on a deal in December saw more than a third of members vote in favour despite the RMT urging them to reject it. It means the latest offer, worth over 9 per cent across 2022 and this year, stands a good chance of being accepted.
On Tuesday the RMT called off a strike at Network Rail planned for next Thursday after the new offer was tabled.
RMT boss Mick Lynch said: ‘Network Rail has made a new and improved offer and now our members will decide whether to accept it.’