Over 100 global transport unions from 52 countries have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, urging him to resolve the rail dispute.
However, frustratingly, Grant Shapps is still refusing to step into the talks.
Shapps is instead continuing to repeat his claims that the strikes are unnecessary, adding he has not been involved in discussions as it should be up to the employers and unions to negotiate instead.
The rail strikes have already caused chaos for thousands, as disruptions are set to continue across the weekend.
Yet, more rail workers are to be given a chance to vote over action, meaning that The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association will ballot members at operator Greater Anglia on pay, conditions and job security.
They involve station staff and managers, conductors, driver managers, and train crew managers.
That move came a day after TSSA members at Trans Pennine Express were handed a ballot option, and the union is testing other companies.
This will only add to the summer chaos that has already ensued.
TSSA boss Manuel Cortes said: “Rail workers were hailed as heroes in the pandemic.
“They deserve a real-terms pay rise that keeps pace with inflation rather than shouldering the burden of the Tories’ economic meltdown.”
The escalation follows Thursday’s vote for strike action by 700 British Airways check-in staff at Heathrow in a pay dispute that risks disrupting holidaymakers’ getaway plans.
Rail passengers suffered more disruption yesterday after a spill-over from Thursday’s RMT strikes.
Only 60% of trains ran mainly due to signallers and control room staff not working overnight shifts.
A third rail walkout is planned for Saturday with operators saying passengers should “travel by train only if necessary”.
The Department for Transport said: “It’s false to claim the Government is blocking negotiations. We urge unions and industry to agree a deal.”
