The head of Britain’s largest rail union has warned that strike action could continue for several more months.
Mick Lynch stated that the RMT union, whose latest walkouts began on Tuesday, was authorized to conduct action until May and might “go farther.”
People returning to work after the Christmas holiday have been encouraged to avoid rail travel this week due to ongoing strikes that will last until Saturday.
The dispute is over pay and working conditions, but one party claims that an agreement is imminent.
Mr. Lynch expressed regret for the “protracted” litigation but accused the government of “doing nothing” to resolve the matter.
He warned that if no agreement was reached, employees would continue to strike.
He cautioned, “We have a mandate until May of this year, and if we must extend it, we will.”
However, Network Rail, which owns and manages the trains, stated that an agreement was “within reach.”
Tim Shoveller, the company’s CEO, requested the union to “sit down with us. And renegotiate the pre-Christmas agreement to “clarify” any “misunderstood” terms.
A meeting will be held on Monday or Tuesday to discuss the rail dispute.
Mr. Lynch stated that the meeting would include “every participant, including the rail minister.”
It is believed that the rail minister will also meet with the Aslef union of train drivers early next week.
“I will not be paid since I cannot come to work”
Corinne Curtis from Somerset stated that she supported the right to strike and did not “begrudge” the action. But that she had lost the equivalent of one month’s rent in earnings due to her inability to get to work on strike days and her zero-hours contract.
“Regardless of how long it continues, tension and anger increase. The fact that the train is my only option. And that I am being held hostage is extremely frustrating “She said.
Olga King, who goes from Surrey to London for work, stated that railway passengers must endure “expensive ticket fees for a very bad service.
The 35-year-old stated, “The existing train service is unfit for purpose. And I do not support the train strikes because to strike, they should at least provide a decent service, which they do not.”
Helen West, who commutes to Chester from Lancaster, stated that the train strikes had “severely interrupted” her trip. But that she had “solidarity” with the striking workers.
She remarked, “I have overheard rail personnel discussing how weary they are after working a shift. And then being called back in practically immediately owing to staff shortages.”
Major disruption
This week’s walkouts are the latest in a string of rail strikes that have caused significant disruption.
On the 3-4 and 6-7 of January, around 40,000 RMT members employed by Network Rail. And 14 train operators are participating in two 48-hour strikes after rejecting offers. It is in a dispute over salary, job security, and working conditions.
The Aslef union’s train drivers are on strike at 15 rail firms on January 5 for overcompensation.
The strikes have had an impact on services in England, Scotland, and Wales. On Tuesday, Network Rail reported that only 20% of services were operating.
On strike days, trains that do operate will begin later and end much sooner than usual. With services typically operating between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Discusses ‘torpedoed’
Due to service cancellations and disruptions, Network Rail and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train operating firms. Have instructed personnel to only travel if “necessary.”
Mr. Lynch reiterated that his members want a settlement. But claimed that the government had “torpedoed” conversations with rail companies by including “conditions in the paperwork that they know we will never accept.”
However, Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated that he “ensured” that a fresh. And improved offer was presented to trade unions, and that two unions had accepted it.
“I would prefer them to get off the picket line. And return to the bargaining table with the employers to reach an agreement on reform and remuneration,” he said.
Richard Burge, the chief executive officer of the London Chamber of Commerce, stated on the Today program. That the strikes would impede travel into the city at the start of the new work year.
According to him, business owners “blame” both the government and the unions for the strikes. He accused the unions of “exploiting the situation” and said that the government was “sitting back. And pretending they are not participating in this issue, even though they should be.”
UK Hotel chief Kate Nicholls
According to UK Hotel chief Kate Nicholls, the disruption caused by the rail strikes. It will cost the hospitality industry £2.5 billion from June until the end of this week.
This is £1 billion more than the previous estimate of £1.5 billion since the anticipated pre-Christmas rebound during a period when fewer strikes were declared did not materialize and new strike dates announced by rail employees this week are accounted for.
Ms. Nicholls, chief executive officer of UK Hospitality UK, told that travel disruption discouraged customers from making reservations for restaurants, plays, and other events.
“People are making reservations at the last minute or not at all, making it difficult for businesses to prepare ahead,” she explained.
After the epidemic tore a hole in the rail industry’s finances, it is under pressure to cut costs. To finance wage increases and modernize the railway, according to the management, reforms must be approved.
However, unions argue that wages should rise to match the rising cost of living.
Network Rail stated that it must undertake around 1,850 layoffs to save expenses, but that it could promise there would be no mandatory layoffs until 2025 because it had 3,000 volunteers.
