Thousands of rail workers to stage three day strike action over pay and jobs, union says

The union says it will stage the biggest walkout since 1989

Thousands of rail workers are to stage three days of strike action later this month in disputes over pay and jobs, the RMT union has announced.

More travel chaos is to be expected after more than 50,000 railway workers will stage a walkout on June 21, 23 and 25 in the biggest strike on the network since 1989.

The union said they were taking the action that is set to cause misery to millions of commuters after negotiations with rail bosses to secure a pay proposal and a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies broke down.

The RMT also announced another 24-hour strike on London Underground to coincide with the first national strike on June 21 in a separate row over jobs and pensions.

London Tube Strike: June 2022

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RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.

“We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1pc and rising.

“Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.

“Rail companies are making at least £500m a year in profits, whilst fat cat rail bosses have been paid millions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This unfairness is fuelling our members anger and their determination to win a fair settlement.

“RMT is open to meaningful negotiations with rail bosses and ministers, but they will need to come up with new proposals to prevent months of disruption on our railways.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:“It is incredibly disappointing the RMT have decided to take action that could drive passengers away from the rail network for good.

"The pandemic has changed travel habits – with 25% fewer ticket sales and the taxpayer stepping in to keep the railways running at a cost of £16bn, equivalent to £600 per household. We must act now to put the industry on a sustainable footing.

“We are working with industry to reduce disruption caused by strike action, but Unions are jumping the gun by announcing this when talks have only just begun. We once again want to urge the unions to come to talks with the rail industry so we can work together to build a better, more modern, passenger-focussed, railway.”

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