Rail Talks Collapse as Government Blocks Pay Discussions
Rail union TSSA slammed negotiators today after talks with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) fell apart. The RDG admitted they have no clearance from the government to discuss pay or grading. Furious TSSA bosses call this a “slap in the face” to rail workers and passengers and are now eyeing a December strike.
Four Weeks of Talks Hit Government-Imposed Brick Wall
The RDG represents train operators and has spent four intense weeks in talks with unions. Progress was made on staff modernisation, job security, and ticket office issues. But once pay came up – the heart of the dispute – the RDG dropped a bombshell: “We have no mandate from the Department for Transport to discuss this.”
TSSA Warns of Christmas Chaos as Pay Talks Stall
Luke Chester, TSSA Organising Director, blasted ministers:
“Mark Harper needs to get his story straight and act now to prevent strikes over Christmas. Today’s breakdown in talks is a slap in the face for rail workers and passengers alike and is setting the industry on course for a disastrous Christmas.”
Chester ripped into politicians for mixed messages:
“We’re fed up with being told one thing by politicians and then hearing the opposite in negotiations. Harper says he and his department haven’t blocked anything. But we’ve hit a government-shaped brick wall where authority to discuss key issues is withheld by ministers.”
Despite the union suspending strikes all November and negotiating in good faith, Chester accused the government of a careless approach:
“We’ve kept our part of the bargain. This is crunch week. If no offer comes this week, it’ll be too late to prevent industrial action in December. The ball is firmly in the government’s court.”
