RMT suspends train strikes due to take place on March 30 and April 1

2023-03-22

RMT suspends train strikes due to take place on March 30 and April 1 as discussions with bosses continue

The RMT has been in dispute with train companies over pay and conditions
They suspended strike action which was set to cripple rail services nationwide

The RMT union has suspended planned train strikes due to take place on March 30 and April 1, officials have announced.

The union said the industrial action would not take place following talks with the Rail Delivery Group earlier today.

The RMT has staged 18 national walkouts since June 2022 and Aslef has held eight.

The industrial action was a consequence of a long-running dispute between unions and employers.

In a statement, the RMT said: ‘Following further talks between RMT and the Rail Delivery Group today, a proposal was tabled by the RDG which could lead to a resolution to resolve the current national rail dispute through a new offer.

‘RMT will have further talks with the RDG with a view to securing a new offer on pay, job security and working conditions.’

Earlier this week, members of the RMT in Network Rail have voted overwhelmingly to accept an offer to end the long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

In a turnout of nearly 90 per cent, members voted by 76 per cent to 24 per cent in favour, signalling an end to the bitter row, which led to a series of strikes in recent months.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch, pictured, has suspended next week’s planned industrial action following talks with the Rail Delivery Group

The RMT has suspended planned industrial action which was set to cripple the rail network

The union said the deal includes an uplift on salaries of between 14.4 per cent for the lowest paid grades to 9.2 per cent for the highest paid, increased backpay, a no compulsory redundancy agreement until January 2025 and rail travel benefits.

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

Mr Lynch said earlier this week that the ‘ball is in the Government’s court’ concerning industrial action involving members working for train companies.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: ‘0We welcome this positive step by the leadership of the RMT to call off their planned action on March 30 and April 1. This is great news for our customers and for our staff.

‘We are now jointly focused on working constructively towards a settlement to this dispute, which will mean we can do what we have always wanted to do – give our people a pay rise and help secure the long-term future of the railway with rewarding careers for all those who work on it.’

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