Train strikes which have plagued the country since last summer could be coming to an end after the rail union RMT announced today that its 20,000 members have voted to accept a new and improved offer covering pay, jobs and conditions by a margin of three to one.
In a turnout of nearly 90 per cent members voted by 76 per cent to 24 per cent to accept the offer.
The RMT National Executive has announced that the vote means the end of the trade dispute with Network Rail.
The new offer which was also improved with the new money was made following the most recent strike action in January and the threat of more action says the union
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that when the union first declared the dispute with Network Rail a year ago in the Spring of 2022, RMT was told that Network Rail workers would only get two per cent to three per cent.
“However, since then 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.
“Our dispute with the Train Operating Companies remains firmly on and our members recent highly effective strike action across the fourteen train companies has shown their determination to secure a better deal.
“If the government now allows the train companies to make the right offer, we can then put that to our members but until then the strike action scheduled for March 30 and April 1 will take place.
“The ball is in the government’s court,” he said.
