Rail union workers got inflation-busting pay rises for ten of last 13 years, data shows
- Track workers pay has ballooned by more than 36% between 2009 and 2021
- It undermines RMT boss Mick Lynch’s claims that workers are on the breadline
- Mr Lynch has rejected a 9 per cent pay rise offer over two years
RMT rail union workers have enjoyed inflation-busting pay rises for ten of the last 13 years, figures reveal.
Data obtained by the Daily Mail shows signallers and track workers have seen their pay balloon by more than 36 per cent between 2009 and 2021.
Over the same period, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation rose by 28 per cent. But, in some years, the workers enjoyed increases more than double what the average CPI rate was. In 2020, the average rate was 0.9 per cent but workers got 2.1 per cent pay rises.
In 2014, the figures were 1.5 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively, and in 2012 they were 2.8 per cent and 5.7 per cent.
RMT rail union workers have enjoyed inflation-busting pay rises for ten of the last 13 years
It undermines RMT boss Mick Lynch’s claims that his workers are on the breadline and that his campaign is not about class war. The RMT did not respond to a request for comment.
Mr Lynch has rejected a 9 per cent pay rise offer over two years, including a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies until January 2025.
Two other unions representing Network Rail workers, TSSA and Unite, have accepted a similar offer.
But the RMT wants higher pay rises in line with inflation, currently around 11 per cent.
Polls show support for rail strikes is fading, with more of the public now opposed than backing them.
Mr Lynch has rejected a 9 per cent pay rise offer over two years, including a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies until January 2025
Last week, the Mail revealed how 250 signallers and track maintenance staff for Network Rail earn £100,000 or more.
We also revealed how 650 track maintenance staff earned more than £80,000.
Around a quarter earnt £60,000 or more – more than double the £27,055 a newly qualified nurse earns and far higher than the £34,000 average nursing salary.
The average total earnings for a signaller were just under £56,000 and £50,000 for track maintenance staff.
The amounts include base salary, overtime, rest day working and allowances for doing unsociable hours.
Around 80 per cent of the 20,000 or so track maintenance workers and signallers at Network Rail are members of the RMT.
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