Network Rail has withheld annual bonuses from its union members who took part in strikes, in a move that threatens to further sour industrial relations.
The state-owned railway infrastructure manager settled the pay dispute with its workforce in March this year, after RMT members voted to accept a rise worth 9% over two years.
However, Network Rail has told staff that those who took part in any of the strikes from June 2022 onwards that they will not receive a bonus.
The RMT called the move “disgraceful” and an attempt to divide workers in the union.
The bonus is understood to have been much lower than usual this year owning to Network Rail’s performance, which was heavily affected by the strikes. However, those who did not strike will receive about £300.
About 20,000 RMT members are expected to be affected by the decision.
A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed that bonuses would be withheld and defended the move. They said: “Awarding performance-related pay [PRP] is Network Rail’s way of recognising colleagues for their contribution to achieving the company’s performance targets. We have been crystal clear with both our trade unions and our employees that the cost of strike action would directly impact the PRP scheme.
“Our position was made very clear: any discretionary payments would focus on those who continued to support rail services during industrial action.”
The decision has upset staff, with many still aggrieved at sub-inflation pay rises after being lauded as frontline workers during Covid.
More than 12,000 people have signed a petition on the Organise platform calling on Network Rail to reinstate the bonuses.
The RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “The decision to exclude trade unionists from this bonus scheme is disgraceful and is understandably causing significant consternation among members.
“It is clear that the stance adopted by Network Rail both penalises and discriminates against members for exercising their human right to associate and to participate in lawful trade union activities. However, legal protections only exist for those who are unfairly dismissed for taking part in lawful strike or other industrial action which is called officially.”
In an email to members, he said: “As the bonus scheme is discretionary, and not a contractual obligation, the decision to exclude RMT members has been taken in bad faith and is a transparent attempt to divide the workforce and undermine your union, by specifically rewarding those who refused to stand in solidarity with union members taking essential strike action.”
RMT members at train operators in England are still in dispute and will strike again on Saturday, causing widespread disruption.
Another four-day strike by RMT rail workers over pay, at the Unipart supply firm in Crewe, starts on Tuesday.
