Strike settlement held back by ministers

There is no sign that the industrial action which is tearing apart the industry and undoing much of the progress since the COVID crisis is likely to end any time soon.

Indeed, Conservative politicians reckon that this is ‘the big one’ - a major confrontation that will only end with substantial reform to working practices in the industry.

If that is the case, then it is wrong for Grant Shapps and his fellow ministers to suggest that the dispute is nothing to do with them, and that it’s a matter for the rail companies and the unions to sort out.

Yet I have been told by numerous sources that the Department for Transport will not allow the companies to make any offers without its permission. As one put it: “You can’t sneeze [they actually mentioned another bodily function!] without asking them first.”

There is no doubt that many in government are eager for a big public fight with the unions, as it takes the electorate’s minds off all its other failings.

On the other side, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch (a moderate) has to contend with the hardliners on his executive, whose intentions go way beyond trying to sort out their members’ terms and conditions.

There is no doubt that with a will on both sides, this dispute could be resolved. The unions would agree to a less-than-inflation rise, provided there were guarantees over other terms and conditions, and a good redundancy deal.

The rail companies are eager to settle, too, but are prevented from entering meaningful discussions by ministers in the DfT.

Perhaps the latter should ask themselves how they are acquiescing in the £100 million per week being spent on HS2, when their actions are helping to wreck that very same industry. Unfortunately, logic is something in short supply these days.