RMT union rejects offer to stop Christmas walkouts
The latest round of strikes by RMT members will go ahead after the RMT union rejected an offer, that had hoped to stop the strikes in the run-up to Christmas.
The strikes at Network Rail and 14 train firms is due to begin in eight days.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said its offer included a pay increase for staff of up to 8 per cent over two years.
But the RMT said it would lead to huge job losses and called for an urgent meeting with bosses on Monday.
The strikes are part of an ongoing dispute over pay, working conditions and job security for rail workers.
The industrial action is set to take place across four 48-hour periods: 13-14 December, 16-17 and 3-4 January as well as 6-7 January.
The RDG said the “fair and affordable” offer it made on Sunday included a pay rise for staff of 4 per cent this year, backdated to the beginning of the financial year, followed by another 4 per cent next year.
