Railway workers and staff with some of the country's largest train companies voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, yesterday (Tuesday May 24). The RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) said that of 40,000 members balloted, 71 per cent took part in the vote, with 89 per cent of them declaring their support for a strike.
The union claim that the vote was the "biggest endorsement" for industrial action by railway workers since privatisation in the 1990s.
The ballot was called because of a row over jobs, pay and conditions. But the industrial action now threatens to bring the country's rail network and train travel to a standstill in the coming weeks.
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In response to the move, the Government and rail industry have voiced their disappointment. They have described the proposed strike action "hugely disappointing and premature”, and warned it would be a major setback to the industry’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.
The RMT says that Network Rail wants to cut at least 2,500 maintenance jobs as part of £2 billion spending cuts on the network. It claims that staff at the train companies have been subject to pay freezes, the threat of redundancies and attacks on their terms and conditions.
When will the strikes happen?
The union's leaders said they have yet to decide when to call strikes. The union says officials are discussing a "timetable for strike action from mid-June".
Mick Lynch, the RMT's general secretary, said the "overwhelming endorsement" by railway workers was a "vindication of the union's approach and sends a clear message that members want a decent pay rise, job security and no compulsory redundancies".
He added: "Our NEC will now meet to discuss a timetable for strike action from mid-June, but we sincerely hope ministers will encourage the employers to return to the negotiating table and hammer out a reasonable settlement with the RMT."
What train companies are involved?
The RMT has said that the following companies have voted for strike action:
- Chiltern Railways
- Cross Country Trains
- Greater Anglia
- LNER
- East Midlands Railway
- c2c
- Great Western Railway
- Northern Trains
- South Eastern
- South Western Railway
- Transpennine Express
- Avanti West Coast
- West Midlands Trains
Union members with GTR - which includes Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern - voted for industrial action short of a strike.
LNER (London North Eastern Railway) issued a statement in response to the ballot.
"We are aware of potential industrial action announced by the RMT," said a spokesperson.
"We will be reviewing the outcome of this proposed industrial action and will provide updates on how this might impact LNER services."
What will be the impact of strike action?
It is believed that a walkout by Network Rail signallers will have a significant impact on services. If this happens that trains might only be able to run for part of the day, such as between 7am and 7pm. And even if they can run, it would only by on some of the main lines.
Transport commentators believe that services could be reduced to just a fifth of the normal weekday timetable, if industrial action goes ahead. It is also reported it could cost the rail industry in the region of £30 million for each day workers are on strike. They will, of course, have a huge affect on businesses and the economy, as well as commuters and the travelling public.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Strikes should always be the last resort, not the first, so it is hugely disappointing and premature that the RMT is calling for industrial action before even entering discussions. Taxpayers across the country contributed £16 billion to keep our railways running throughout the pandemic while ensuring not a single worker lost their job."
They added: "The railway is still on life support, with passenger numbers 25 per cent down, and anything that drives away even more of them risks killing services and jobs. Train travel for millions more people is now a choice, not a necessity. Strikes stop our customers choosing rail, and they might never return."
What next for Rail union talks after strike action agreed?
The RMT union will now be demanding urgent talks with Network Rail and the 15 train operating companies. No decision on timings have yet been made, however, and talks are expected to continue with bosses and the government to try and find a resolution.
Andrew Haines, Network Rail’s chief executive, said: “The RMT has jumped the gun here as everyone loses if there’s a strike. We know our people are concerned about job security and pay. As a public body we have been working on offering a pay increase that taxpayers can afford, and we continue to discuss this with our trade unions.
"We urge the RMT to sit down with us and continue to talk, not walk, so that we can find a compromise and avoid damaging industrial action. He added: "We are at a key point in the railway’s recovery from the pandemic. The taxpayer has provided the industry with £16 billion worth of additional life support over the last two years and that cannot continue.
"Any industrial action now would be disastrous for our industry’s recovery and would hugely impact vital supply and freight chains. It would also serve to undermine our collective ability to afford the pay increases we want to make."
