RMT Gears Up for More Rail Strikes Ahead of Christmas
UK rail passengers are bracing themselves for at least six more months of travel chaos. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union has voted overwhelmingly to step up industrial action amid a bitter 18-month row over pay, job security, and working conditions.
Massive Mandate for Strikes
RMT boss Mick Lynch revealed that 89.9% of members backed further strikes in a vote with a decent 63.6% turnout. “This mandate sends a clear message,” Lynch said, urging the government to let the 1 Delivery Group (RDG) table a fresh offer to end the stand-off.
The RDG admitted the strikes are hitting passengers, staff, and businesses hard. They called on the union to drop the dispute and consider their latest offer, which includes guaranteed job security and a pay rise up to 13% for the lowest-paid workers.
More Strikes Looming Before Christmas
No new strike dates are set yet, but this vote gives RMT the green light to plan walkouts into the busy Christmas period and beyond. Over 20,000 members from 14 rail companies took part, with strong support for strikes matching the May ballot.
Unions and Rail Firms Stuck in Deadlock
While Network Rail workers settled their dispute in spring, guards and station staff across various rail firms rejected April’s latest RDG offer. Talks have dragged on with little progress.
Adding fuel to the fire, Aslef drivers remain locked in their own pay battles. Unions demand pay rises that reflect the soaring cost of living. Meanwhile, rail bosses warn pay hikes must come with changes to working practices amid financial pressures after the pandemic.
The rail industry faces a tough road ahead as unions and companies tussle for a deal passengers can live with.
