Striking RMT rail workers offered fresh deal from rail firms
The union said it would consider the “updated” terms from the Rail Delivery Group, as hopes grow the long-running dispute can be resolved.
By Daniel Binns, business reporter
Friday 14 April 2023 14:47, UK
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Mick Lynch general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) joins members on the picket line outside London Euston train station
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Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, with members on a previous picket line at London’s Euston train station
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The RMT has received an “updated offer” from rail companies in a bid to end strike action in its long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
A spokesperson for the union said it would consider the new terms put forward by the Rail Delivery Group, which represents 14 operators, and stressed no decision had yet been taken.
It comes after the RMT last month suspended plans for walkouts on 30 March and 1 April following progress in talks.
A separate dispute between RMT workers at Network Rail was resolved in March after members voted to accept a revised pay offer.
The long-running row has seen the biggest industrial action on the railways since the 1980s, with regular strikes and disruption since last June.
An RMT spokesperson said: “We have received an updated offer from the Rail Delivery Group and our National Executive Committee is considering its contents.
“No decision on any next steps has been taken.”
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A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “Following further constructive joint discussions with the RMT leadership we have put forward a fair revised offer which makes important clarifications and reassurances, in particular around job terms and conditions for our employees.”
They added: “Our hope is that the RMT executive will put this proposal to its full train operating company membership and allow them a say on the deal, so we can end this dispute”.
It comes as talks continue between rail bosses and ASLEF, the train drivers union, to resolve a similar dispute. The union currently has no future strike dates pencilled in.
Members of the TSSA union accepted an offer in February, while Unite members working in Network Rail control rooms also agreed to a new deal in December.
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