Rail passengers face strikes before Christmas despite pay deal claims
RAIL passengers have been warned they face more strikes in the run-up to Christmas - despite claims a pay deal is taking shape.
The RMT have hit out at train operators and Network Rail saying they have no new proposals to put to members after a November 17 deadline passed.
The union’s ruling executive will meet today to consider the matter and it is “highly likely” that more industrial action will be agreed.
The move comes as Transport Secretary Mark Harper is due to meet several unions in the next fortnight.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “We have been patient and have shown good faith which has not been returned.
“Therefore, I will be recommending that we set out further phases of sustained industrial action in support of our members.
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“While we will remain available for meaningful negotiations it is now obvious that the other side is unwilling or unable to progress matters appropriately, so our action will be reinstated.
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We have made real progress over the last fortnight and for the first time in months we can see the outline of a credible deal.
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“Any strikes will only cause further misery for customers and struggling businesses in the run up to Christmas and beyond.”
They also call on RMT bosses to remove any uncertainty around Christmas and beyond which will have a knock-on effect for customers and struggling businesses.
The spokesperson added: “We urge the RMT leadership to stay at the negotiating table so we can build on that progress and end a dispute that is harming passengers and businesses, the industry, and their members.”
