The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) general secretary has slammed the “prattle that comes out of the politicians”, saying that it’s “nonsense” for the Government to suggest transport workers are content with modernisation plans.
Mick Lynch told Sky News: “Our members are sick and tired of the prattle that comes out of the politicians, and is repeated by their employers by Government direction.
“If workers were so keen to embrace the Government’s demands, why did they vote for strike action?”
Mr Lynch said there was a 70 per cent turnout in the ballots and union members will “not hesitate to strike and strike again”.
He said recent strikes had been backed by non-union members across the country, with impromptu protests popping up all over Britain that “says they support our disputes”.
Mr Lynch one again reiterated his threat, that if a settlement is not agreed, they will “not hesitate to strike again”.
Meanwhile, a long-running dispute involving train guards has been resolved, it was announced on Saturday.
RMT said its members working as guards on Merseyrail had agreed a “historic” deal which secured 220 jobs.
The union said the agreement means a new class of train can be rolled out and the role of the train manager has been protected for the long-term future.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “We congratulate the dogged determination of our members to secure the crucial role of the onboard train manager.
“After a five-year dispute and 16 days of industrial action stoppages, our members have job security and can make an important contribution to the running of this new train fleet for the travelling public of Merseyside.”
