Mr. Harper’s remarks came in advance of a meeting with Mr. Lynch tomorrow – two days after the leader of the rail workers’ union declared he is “not the Grinch” when he scheduled four 48-hour strikes over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period.
The government is “simply not in a position to pay inflation pay increases”.
Mark Harper stated on The Take with Sophy Ridge that he understands why “people facing these cost-of-living constraints want more income,” but if ministers were to satisfy this request, “the risk is that we would instill inflation.”
He stated that rail unions must “understand” the significance of reducing inflation to get the economy back on track.
Thursday, Mr. Harper spoke before a meeting with Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT union.
This week, Mr. Lynch announced four 48-hour strikes between Christmas and New Year’s.
Mr. Lynch stated on Tuesday that no improved offer about jobs, wages, and working conditions had been made, so more walkouts would occur.
On the 13th, 14th, 16th, and 17th of December, as well as the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th of January, about 40,000 Network Rail and 14 railway company employees are scheduled to strike.
It causes inconvenience for travelers, workers, and shoppers in the days leading up to Christmas, as well as for those returning home following the holiday.
There may also be issues on other days, as the RMT stated that an overtime ban would be in effect from December 18 to January 2.
The transport secretary warned that the forthcoming strikes will be “very disruptive” and “quite expensive.”
However, he stated that he will not bargain with Mr. Lynch at tomorrow’s meeting regarding the new wave of strikes.
Mr. Harper added, “I would urge them to call off the strikes, return to the table with the employers, and attempt to hammer out some of the required reforms that will yield the savings needed to pay for pay raises for his members and a better service.”
When asked if it is reasonable for rail workers to expect their wages to keep pace with inflation, he stated that “getting inflation under control” is the nation’s top priority.
He stated that embedding inflation is not in anyone’s best interest.
To achieve a long-term sustainable position, it is in the public’s best interest to remove inflation from the system so that it returns to a lower level, followed by a decline in interest rates.
Mr. Harper stated that he hopes “the matter is resolved” through “reasoned dialogue” tomorrow, adding, “We do not want this to go into the New Year.”
The Christmas action will be the latest in a string of rail strikes that began in June and comes after RMT members voted last week to continue striking for an additional six months.
This Saturday, train drivers affiliated with the Aslef union will engage in a separate strike, disrupting services operated by eleven companies, including Great Western and Southeastern.
