RMT accused of ‘playing politics’ after pushing ahead with strikes after another trade union accepted the same pay offer
- The government hit out against the RMT after another union accepted pay offer
- Over 70% of senior Network Rail staff in the TSSA accepted an 8% salary rise
- ‘Unions working with industry… is the only way forward’, said Grant Shapps
The RMT was accused of ‘playing politics’ by pressing ahead with strikes yesterday as it emerged another union accepted the same pay offer.
More than 70 per cent of senior Network Rail staff represented by the TSSA voted in favour of an 8 per cent salary rise over this year and next. It was not put to less senior workers on lower pay.
But the RMT is refusing to put the same offer to a single member.
A Government source said: ‘We urge other unions to stop playing politics and follow the TSSA’s lead.’
The RMT was accused of ‘playing politics’ by pressing ahead with strikes yesterday as it emerged another union accepted the same pay offer
‘This acceptance by these TSSA members will mean that we have a strong, reliable contingency staff for any future strikes and will be able to run services for passengers and minimise disruption to lives of everyday people,’ said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured)
It means there will be less disruption when RMT workers for Network Rail and 14 operators strike on August 18 and 20. The RMT said the deal did not meet what members want.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘This acceptance by these TSSA members will mean that we have a strong, reliable contingency staff for any future strikes and will be able to run services for passengers and minimise disruption to lives of everyday people.
‘Unions working with industry instead of against is the only way forward out of this dispute and a necessary step to end these destructive strikes and to put our railways on a secure footing for the future.’
The deal is a boost for rail travellers needing to catch trains on strike days as a number of TSSA’s senior workers step in as signallers when the RMT goes on strike.
The union’s members are also striking on the London Underground on August 19 in a separate dispute.
Joining them on August 18 and 20 will be less senior, lower-paid TSSA workers for seven train operators.
Meanwhile, train drivers’ union ASLEF has ordered workers for nine train companies to walkout next Saturday, August 13.
The walkouts will be on Avanti West Coast, Crosscountry, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, London Overground, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains.
Walkouts from train drivers in ASLEF next Saturday, August 13, will be on Avanti West Coast, Crosscountry, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER (pictured), London Overground, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains
It will particularly hit football fans, with Premier League games in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Brighton likely to be affected.
A strike timetable will be published on Tuesday, but passengers are being advised to follow the latest travel advice, check before they set off and allow extra time for their journey.
Passengers are also advised to consider starting journeys later on Sunday August 14 due to the knock-on effects.
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