The RMT Union has announced that its members have voted to reject the latest offer from Network Rail.
It means that all strike action planned for this week, over the Christmas period and into the new year, will go ahead as planned.
63.6% of members opted to reject the offer of 5% and 4% pay rise over a two year period.
However, the RMT union also says that the pay rises came with a 50% cut in maintenance tasks, job losses and a 30% increase in unsocialable hours.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a huge rejection of Network Rail’s substandard offer and shows that our members are determined to take further strike action in pursuit of a negotiated settlement.
“The government is refusing to lift a finger to prevent these strikes and it is clear they want to make effective strike action illegal in Britain.
“We will resist that and our members, along with the entire trade union movement will continue their campaign for a square deal for workers, decent pay increases and good working conditions.”
Responses
A few years ago I watched Network Rail employees replacing a short section of track near Topsham level crossing. I counted 26 people on site, most of whom were doing nothing. No wonder Network Rail is trying to improve working practices but the intransigence of the RMT union makes any sensible progress impossible.