Large parts of national rail network grind to halt as RMT union members strike for increased pay

Much of the UK’s rail network has ground to a halt as members of the RMT union begin a two-day strike on Tuesday, the first in a series of planned action as they push for better pay.

The rising cost of living – and particularly increased energy costs – has been a key factor behind the strike action. New data on Tuesday morning from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the impact: real wages (pay packets after the effects of inflation) fell by 2.7% in the three months to October.

This is a huge rejection of Network Rail’s substandard offer and shows that our members are determined to take further strike action in pursuit of a negotiated settlement.

The government is refusing to lift a finger to prevent these strikes and it is clear they want to make effective strike action illegal in Britain.

Large parts of national rail network grind to halt as RMT union members strike for increased payMuch of the UK’s rail network has ground to a halt as members of the RMT union begin a two-day strike on Tuesday, the first in a series of planned action as they push for better pay.The rising cost of living – and particularly increased energy costs – has been a key factor behind the strike action. New data on Tuesday morning from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the impact: real wages (pay packets after the effects of inflation) fell by 2.7% in the three months to October.This is a huge rejection of Network Rail’s substandard offer and shows that our members are determined to take further strike action in pursuit of a negotiated settlement.The government is refusing to lift a finger to prevent these strikes and it is clear they want to make effective strike action illegal in Britain. Continue reading…