Following the receipt of a revised mandate from the government, train operating companies are prepared to present a new offer to striking rail workers this week. For any agreement, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the companies, needs support from the government.
The revised mandate, according to RDG chair Steve Montgomery, would be “used” in discussions with the TSSA and RMT unions on Thursday. He stated that due to confidentiality concerns, specifics could not be disclosed.
Overview from Union
Unions and train operators are at odds with overpaying and working conditions. If the government’s stance has sufficiently altered to meet union demands, the new offer might represent a breakthrough.
However, unions have the right to reject any offer that is attached to changes to working conditions and practices that they deem to be intolerable.
The network experienced widespread service cancellations due to strikes last week, and union leaders issued a warning after members decided to continue their strike action, which could last for months. There aren’t any planned strikes right now, though.
On Wednesday, Mr. Montgomery told the government’s transport select committee that he thought there might be a chance to “try and move forward” with the largest rail union, the RMT.
“We’re reasonably close to the point where I think we can strike a deal, in my opinion. However, we must resolve it together “said he. He acknowledged that the conflict with the Aslef union of rail drivers was further behind.
However, unions have the right to reject any offer that is attached to changes to working conditions and practices that they deem to be intolerable.
The network experienced widespread service cancellations due to strikes last week, and union leaders issued a warning after members decided to continue their strike action, which could last for months. There aren’t any planned strikes right now, though.
On Wednesday, Mr. Montgomery told the government’s transport select committee that he thought there might be a chance to “try and move forward” with the largest rail union, the RMT.
“We’re reasonably close to the point where I think we can strike a deal, in my opinion. However, we must resolve it together “said he. He acknowledged that the conflict with the Aslef union of rail drivers was further behind.
Words from ASLEF
After inflation surpassed 10%, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), which represents train drivers, previously stated that it was “chasing a pay rise that at least puts a dent” in the impact of rising prices.
Other unions fighting for better pay and working conditions for their members include the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA). The TSSA’s interim general secretary, Frank Ward, concurred with Mr. Whelan during the committee hearing that agreement was still further away than ever.
The RMT’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, asserted that negotiations were necessary for a deal to be reached, adding that “until we reach an agreement, we’re not close to it.”
After inflation surpassed 10%, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), which represents train drivers, previously stated that it was “chasing a pay rise that at least puts a dent” in the impact of rising prices.
Opinions of Experts
Other unions fighting for better pay and working conditions for their members include the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA). The TSSA’s interim general secretary, Frank Ward, concurred with Mr. Whelan during the committee hearing that agreement was still further away than ever.
The RMT’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, asserted that negotiations were necessary for a deal to be reached, adding that “until we reach an agreement, we’re not close to it.”
According to Mr. Montgomery, the industry was not attempting to lower wages or extend working hours. Instead, he said, it sought to raise productivity while cutting costs on the railway.
Tim Shoveller, the chief negotiator for Network Rail, also struck an optimistic note, rating his organization’s closeness of a deal with the RMT as seven out of 10. He believed many staff felt they had not had enough time to consider the proposal before voting. He said some employees had already returned to work meaning more trains would run during any future RMT walkouts “because our capability to do that is growing”.
Final Words
Network Rail was not seeking a revised mandate from the government Mr. Shoveller said, as its existing offer had been based on what the organization could afford. Only a couple of thousand more RMT members at Network Rail would need to vote in favor of the deal that had been offered, for it to meet the threshold for acceptance, he said.
