RMT union suspends strike action after improved Network Rail offer

THE RAIL Maritime and Transport Union suspended strike action planned for Network Rail staff in March and April following receipt of a new and improved offer from the infrastructure company on pay and benefits.

The strikes were stopped after the RMT revealed that the revised Network Rail offer involves extra money and is not conditional on union members accepting Network Rail’s modernising maintenance agenda, to which the union is opposed.

A statement issued by the union stated that the revised offer amounts to an uplift on salaries of between 14.4% for the lowest paid grades and 9.2% for the highest paid. There is an additional 1.1% on basic earnings and increased back pay. Other benefits include 75% discounted leisure travel.

A referendum to consider the offer started on March 9, with it due to be concluded on March 20, after this issue closed for press. The union said it would not be making a recommendation on how members should vote during the referendum.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Network Rail has made a new and improved offer and now our members will decide whether to accept it.

“We will continue our campaign for a negotiated settlement on all aspects of the railway dispute.” However, planned RMT strike action involving 14 train operating companies was due to go ahead on March 16, 18 and 30, as well as April 1, with the union urging the Rail Delivery Group to improve the offer it made in relation to pay and conditions for staff involved in the dispute employed by train operators.