Voting starts today as 40,000 railway workers decide whether they will strike in disputes over pay and jobs. A yes vote among members of The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union could, it says, lead to the biggest rail strike in modern history.
The ballot closes on May 24, so strike action could begin in June. The union said Network Rail is planning to cut at least 2,500 safety-critical maintenance jobs as part of a £2 billion reduction in spending, while workers at train operators have been subject to pay freezes and changes to their terms and conditions.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our ballot of 40,000 staff is a vital step in defending jobs, pay, conditions and safety standards on the railways. Network Rail, the train operating companies and the Government have set themselves on a collision course with RMT by their reckless cuts agenda and workers across the industry must vote ‘Yes’ in this upcoming ballot to protect themselves as well as ensure safe journeys for the travelling public.
