Network Rail axes bonuses for staff who went on strike

Rail staff who went on strike in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions are now set to lose their annual bonus. 

Network Rail has sparked anger by refusing to dish out bonuses to staff who went on strike. 

Up to 20,000 members of the RMT union, who took industrial action over pay, jobs and working conditions could be affected. 

The dispute was settled in March when they voted to accept a 9% pay rise. However, those who took part in strikes from June 2022 onwards will not receive a bonus worth about £300.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said that it had been “crystal clear” with trade unions and employees about the fact that strike action would affect its performance-related bonus scheme.

“Our position was made very clear – any discretionary payments would focus on those who continued to support rail services during industrial action,” they added.