RMT members vote overwhelmingly to resume mandate for strike motion
M
embers of the most important rail employees’ union have voted to resume their mandate to proceed taking industrial motion for the subsequent six months within the long-running dispute over pay and circumstances.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) mentioned there was an awesome vote in favour.
Unions concerned in disputes must re-ballot their members each six months to legally proceed with strikes and different types of motion.
The RMT has introduced a strike in opposition to practice firms on May 13, the day of the Eurovision Song Contest closing in Liverpool.
RMT common secretary Mick Lynch mentioned the overwhelming backing for additional strike motion throughout 14 practice working firms was a “de-facto referendum” on the dispute.
“It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions.
“This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.
“They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers.”
The union re-balloted members working for 14 practice working firms, saying all of them handed the 50% participation threshold wanted beneath regulation.
On a median turnout in every firm of practically 70%, over 90% of votes solid backed persevering with with strike motion, the RMT mentioned.
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), mentioned: “While the outcome of the ballot is disappointing, sadly it is also unsurprising during an on-going dispute such as this.
“The vote that really matters is for the deal on the table developed in conjunction with RMT negotiators but then subsequently rejected out of hand in unflattering terms by their executive committee, without giving their membership a single chance to have their say.
“The RMT membership would be forgiven for wondering why they are only ever offered a vote to extend this dispute and a never vote to end it.
“We can only assume that the executive committee is fixed on continuing this dispute for its own reasons, despite the damage it is causing to an industry still being subsidised up to £175 million a month extra post covid, to our passengers’ lives and to Britain’s reputation for hosting high-profile events like Eurovision.
“Instead of continuing to hold the country to ransom, we call on the RMT executive to quickly think again and put the deal – which offers job security guarantees and a pay rise of up to 13% – out to a democratic vote so that members can finally have their say.”
Responding to the vote, Transport Secretary Mark Harper mentioned: “I’m disappointed by the RMT’s decision to continue taking industrial action. Train companies put forward a fair and reasonable pay offer which the RMT’s executive have refused to consult their members on, despite members working for Network Rail voting overwhelmingly to accept it earlier this year.
“The Rail Delivery Group’s best and final offer guarantees employees a fair and reasonable pay rise, while delivering the reforms needed to address the long-term challenges facing the industry.”