Next month, Britain is set to experience further disruptions in travel, causing significant inconvenience for fans planning to attend two Ashes Tests and The Open. This is due to rail workers from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announcing an additional three-day strike in their ongoing pay dispute.
The strike will affect 14 train operators across England and involve approximately 20,000 rail workers across the UK. The strike dates are scheduled for July 20, 22, and 29, coinciding with the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford from July 19-23 and The Open Championship from July 20-23.
RMT has criticized the train operators for their failure to present a new pay offer to resolve the ongoing industrial action. Surprisingly, neither the train operators nor the Government have taken the initiative to engage in dialogue or arrange meetings with RMT, despite the union’s expressed willingness to reopen negotiations.
Mick Lynch, the general secretary of RMT, highlighted the importance of railway staff to the functioning of the industry and expressed disappointment in the lack of progress. He emphasized that RMT’s team of negotiators is available round the clock for talks with the train operators and government ministers. Nonetheless, both parties have made no attempts to arrange meetings or provide a satisfactory offer that could lead to a negotiated solution.
According to RMT, the Government “contractually sets the negotiating parameters” for these 14 train operators, effectively restricting their ability to offer a new pay deal and resolve the dispute. Lynch argued that the Government’s actions continue to limit the companies, leading to the ongoing stalemate.
RMT members have voted in favor of strike action three times in the past year, with the most recent vote demonstrating strong support for continuing the industrial campaign for another six months. RMT remains committed to fighting for improved pay, working conditions, and job security.
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