More rail strikes have been announced after the RMT union urged its members to reject the latest pay offer from the Rail Delivery Group
Staff at Network Rail are expected to walk out from 6pm on Christmas Eve until 27 December.
This strike,says the union,coincides with the wind down of passenger services and the commencement of engineering works.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was unfortunate that that union had been compelled to take this action due to the continuing intransigence of the employers.
“We remain available for talks in order to resolve these issues but we will not bow to pressure from the employers and the government to the detriment of our members,” he said.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper lsaid it was “incredibly disappointing” that the RMT had rejected the latest offer from Network Rail. He accused the union of having “failed to play its part and our rail network now faces more harmful disruption rather than helpful discussion.” Is this the moment for soundbites? Network Rail negotiator Tim Shoveller said the RMT was “playing fast and loose with people’s Christmas plans.”
