RMT: Union members at Network Rail vote to accept pay deal

Rail union RMT has announced that its members have voted to accept a new and improved offer on pay, jobs, and conditions from Network Rail, ending the long-running dispute.

The vote saw a turnout of almost 90% and passed by a margin of three to one.

Although Transport for Wales is not participating in the ongoing industrial action, the dispute between the unions and Network Rail has meant that TfW have been unable to operate rail services on Network Rail infrastructure during strike action.

The deal includes an uplift on salaries ranging from 14.4% to 9.2%, with an additional 1.1% over the duration of the agreement.

It also provides for increased back pay, a renewal of the no compulsory redundancy agreement until January 2025, and discounted rail travel benefits.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch praised the solidarity and determination of union members and credited their recent strike action with securing the improved offer from Network Rail.

He added that the dispute with the Train Operating Companies remains ongoing, with strike action scheduled for March 30 and April 1.

Lynch also noted that the offer was achieved through hard-fought negotiations and the union’s ability to mobilise its members.

The acceptance of the deal has brought an end to the trade dispute with Network Rail, which began in the spring of 2022.

The RMT had initially declared the dispute in response to the Network Rail’s offer of only 2-3% pay increase.

Lynch said that the new agreement represented a significant victory for union members, as the improved offer would provide them with better salaries, job security, and working conditions.

While the acceptance of the offer is a welcome development for Network Rail and the RMT, the ongoing dispute with Train Operating Companies underscores the continuing challenges faced by the UK rail industry.