The RMT union is involved in two conflicts: one with Network Rail, where it represents approximately 20,000 signallers and maintenance workers, and another with the Rail Delivery Group, where it represents approximately 20,000 workers at 14 train companies.
A compromise between railway companies and rail unions is “attainable,” according to Mick Lynch, the head of the RMT union, as passengers endure the worst day of transport strikes.
The training minister, Huw Merriman, convened a meeting on Thursday to attempt to resolve the heated disagreement over pay, jobs, and working conditions, but it failed to break the impasse.
However, Mr. Lynch stated that a solution may be developed to prevent future train strikes.
He stated, “I’m always hopeful.”
“Resolutions to disagreements are about compromises. We comprehend what the firms want, and they comprehend what we require.
“Therefore, we’ll require a compromise on some of the criteria they’re imposing, as well as an increase in the wage offer.
That is attainable, in my opinion.
Members of the RMT union began another 48-hour strike today, due to the lack of progress made at the meeting on Thursday.
The union stated that “additional conversations” had been agreed upon, but that “all industrial action remains in effect in the interim.”
RMT union is involved in two disputes: one with Network Rail, where it represents over 20,000 signallers and maintenance workers, and another with the Rail Delivery Group, where it represents approximately 20,000 workers from 14 train companies.
Members of both organizations will go on strike today and tomorrow, as well as on January 3, 4, 6, and 7; RMT members at Network Rail will also go on strike from 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
Mr. Lynch stated, “I am aware that the employers and we could take several very basic measures to resolve this issue.”
“This necessitates a common-sense approach in which both parties reach a position in which they share some positions.
“I believe we could accomplish this in the next phase. And if this is completed fast, we can contemplate moving forward with industrial action.”
He said, “If they can move closer to us, we may be able to find a solution.
“Now that people have time to make plans, I’m hopeful that they’ll be successful, and that we’ll be able to make headway in these discussions in the next week or two.”
Yesterday, members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association at Network Rail decided to accept a salary offer, but members at Avanti West Coast will continue their strike today.
The whole rail network’s passengers have been urged not to travel.
Mr. Lynch stated that TSSA members who have accepted a Network Rail salary offer are “not affected by the proposed adjustments.”
“They are supervisors and professionals. They do not perform the work that our members do, who will be deeply impacted by the changes, particularly the safety regime, as would the general public, added the RMT leader.
“Whether they are involved in the issue or not has little effect on its trajectory. The current plans are completely inadequate for our members.”
Downing Street stated that a “fair and generous agreement” is on the table and urged all sides to “work together to end the disruption.”
As a result of inflation and other cost-of-living pressures, hundreds of thousands of workers are on strike this winter, including those in the rail, bus, and highway industries.
In addition, more than 900 Rural Payments Agency employees, DVSA employees in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Eurostar security guards are on strike today.
