The transport secretary has “permitted” rail operating companies to make a new offer to railway unions this week to end months of strikes.
Since taking over the position from Grant Shapps, Mark Harper tells that he has given corporations a “new mission” and made “major changes” in discussions.
Mark Harper informed that he had given the corporations a “new mandate” to enter negotiations in the coming days, stating that there had been “major shifts” in the government’s stance since he succeeded Grant Shapps in the position.
He stated, however, that it was crucial to “allow the two sides some breathing room”. So they could “attempt to negotiate a resolution.”
Peter Kyle of Labour stated that the former transport secretary, who “refused to engage or even meet with unions”. When the strikes began in 2022, had “wasted a year” with his words.
Since June, the RMT and other train worker unions have launched nationwide strikes over jobs, pay, and working conditions.
Two of the unions representing lesser numbers of employees have achieved settlements. But the RMT and train operating firms are still at odds over proposed reforms that might lead to the closure of ticket offices and an increase in the number of driver-only trains with no guards on board.
Transport minister allows rail businesses to make new union offer
Mr. Harper stated that this week’s offer would “include both salary and reform” in the industry. But he refuted rumors that the government had lowered its demands for driver-only trains.
He told Sophy Ridge, “They’ve been around since I was a youngster, which I’m afraid is quite a while ago.”
Our basic attitude on reform is that it is still of the utmost importance, as generational reform on the railroads enables us to produce the savings necessary to pay for staff pay increases while maintaining a financially sustainable railway.
The transport secretary emphasized that the two parties have “made some progress”. And pointed to his contributions to the discussions as evidence.
“We’ve made some progress, and I’m hopeful that we can make more,” he said. “I want to end these destructive disputes. They are detrimental to railroad workers and, more crucially, to passengers and the economy as a whole.
“Since I’ve been transport secretary, I believe we’ve made significant progress and I expect to see ongoing growth. I’ve made the adjustments I believe are required to bring us there.”
“Lost opportunity”
Mr. Kyle praised Mr. Harper’s participation but criticized the length of time it took for a transport secretary to join the negotiations.
“The government determines fares, schedules, and the stops where each train must stop,” he told Sophy Ridge.
“Is it true that Grant Shapps refused to engage or even meet with unions over the entire summer when all of this tension between staff and unions and the government was brewing?” It was a significant squandered opportunity.
“He should have been at the table, he should have been involved. And the government should have used its position to attempt to broker some of these arrangements.
“Therefore, it’s excellent that he’s beginning to now. However, this is an admission of a wasted year.”
In the following days and weeks, nurses, ambulance workers, bus drivers, and public servants will also be participating in strike action, in addition to rail unions.
Tomorrow, teachers will also go on strike in Scotland, and the results of ballots from other teaching unions in England are scheduled to be released on the same day.
Mr. Harper stated, “Anything that disrupts children’s education will be extremely unfortunate,”, particularly in light of the effects of COVID.
Moreover, he stated that education secretary Gillian Keegan was meeting with unions “to listen to teachers’ concerns” and prevent strike action.
