RMTrevealed that its members who work across 14 rail operating companies have taken part in a re-ballot, with results showing resounding support for further strike action to be taken.

The ballot saw the 50% participation threshold passed, supporting further strike action by the RMT, which will once again see passengers and businesses across the country impacted by rail disruption.

Union members who work for Network Rail have been able to take a vote regarding their future, which saw a result to end the dispute. RMT members voted resoundingly on the 20th of March with results of 76% to accept Network Rail’s revised offer.

The offer by Rail Delivery Group guaranteed competitive pay increases of 5% alongside a 4% pay increase over two years. The offer also saw larger increases made for those on lower pay, alongside no compulsory redundancies.

Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions.”

“This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.”

“They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers,”

A Rail Delivery spokesperson said: “While the outcome of the ballot is disappointing, sadly, it is also unsurprising during an ongoing dispute such as this. The vote that really matters is for the deal on the table developed in conjunction with RMT negotiators, but then subsequently rejected out of hand in unflattering terms by their executive committee.”

“The RMT membership would be forgiven for wondering why they are only ever offered a vote to extend this dispute and never a vote to end it. We can only assume that the executive committee is fixed on continuing this dispute for its own reasons, despite the damage is causing to an industry still being subsidised up to £175 million a month extra post covid, to our passengers’ lives and to Britain’s reputation for hosting high-profile events like Eurovision.”

“Instead of continuing to hold the country to ransom, we call on the RMT executive to quickly think again and put the deal – which offers job security guarantees and a pay rise of up to 13% – out to a democratic vote so that members can finally have their say.”

Mark Harper, Transport Secretary said: “I’m disappointed by the RMT’s decision to continue taking industrial action. Train companies put forward a fair and reasonable pay offer which the RMT’s executive has refused to consult their members on, despite members working for Network Rail voting overwhelmingly to accept it earlier this year.”

“The Rail Delivery Group’s best and final offer guarantees employees a fair and reasonable pay rise while delivering the reforms needed to address the long-term challenges facing the industry.”