RMT accepts offer to finish the long running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions

Members of the RMT within Network Rail gain voted to accept an offer over Jobs, conditions and pay, with almost 90% voted by 76% to 24% in favour.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Strike action and the inspiring solidarity and determination of members has secured recent money and a recent offer which has been clearly accepted by our members and that dispute is now over.

“Our dispute with the train operating companies remains firmly on and our members’ recent highly effective strike action across the 14 train companies has shown their determination to secure a better deal.

“If the Government now allows the train companies to design the correct offer, we can then establish that to our members, but until then the strike action scheduled for March 30 and April 1 will grasp plot.

“The ball is in the Government’s court.”

Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: “I’m pleased that RMT members were able to vote on this offer and the overwhelming vote in favour is qualified news for our people, our passengers and our country. I’m grateful for everyone who worked so hard at Network Rail and in the RMT to find a way through this dispute.

“My team and I will now focus all our efforts on rebuilding our railway so we can provide a better service for our passengers and freight customers.”

Transport Secretary effect Harper said: “I am pleased Network Rail’s RMT members gain voted to accept a impartial and reasonable 5% plus 4% pay offer, over two years, that the Government worked hard to facilitate.

“While this is qualified news, unfortunately RMT members who work for train operating companies are not being given the same chance to bring their dispute to an finish. That’s because the RMT has refused to establish the Rail Delivery Group’s very similar offer to a vote, denying these members the pay rise they deserve.

“That’s why I am once again urging the RMT to call off their upcoming strikes across train operating companies, establish the Rail Delivery Group offer to a vote, and give all of their members a say.”