Operating Companies stand to

Operating Companies stand to make around £480m in annual private profit – ending this private profiteering could free up funds to instead be invested in Network Rail. WHAT A PAY FREEZE WILL MEAN FOR NETWORK RAIL’S WORKERS Despite the continued corporate greed at Network Rail and across the rail industry, an open-ended pay freeze has been imposed on all workers. RPI inflation is predicted to run at an average of 2.7% over the next three years, the table below shows how various grades at Network Rail could be worse off after a three-year pay freeze, both in terms of total loss of earnings and the impact on salary. And of course, less pay also means less pension. RMT’s alternative It is clear that Network Rail’s real agenda is ‘unfinished business’ with its workforce and RMT. It is shamefully using the Covid crisis to rush through ill thought-out changes and is preparing for a conflict with its own workforce. RMT has no alternative except to go on a national dispute footing to defend members’ interest. RMT is also presenting an alternative to the company and government, built around the following principles: • Safety First • Oppose attacks on RMT members • Protect jobs, not bonuses • Increase rail resilience, not rail risk • Cut greed, not jobs and safety • End outsourcing and casualisation • Recognise that Network Rail staff are already very productive • Freeze their profits, not workers’ pay • Restructure how Network Rail is funded Further information on RMT’s alternative is in the special Network Rail members’ bulletin. What happens next? RMT is completely opposed to this cuts agenda and will continue to campaign to protect the interests of all members at Network Rail. But we are on a dispute footing and are actively preparing to ballot members for industrial action if it proves necessary. RMT is undertaking a widespread publicity and social media campaign which highlights the essential role that Network Rail staff undertake and the need to protect jobs, conditions, safety and pay. RMT is also conducting a widespread political lobbying campaign with the support of our parliamentary groups in England, Scotland and Wales. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Spread the word that RMT Network Rail members have to be ready to take whatever steps are necessary to defend their futures. Make sure colleagues are members of the RMT, make sure we have your up-to-date details, keep updated by looking out for RMT texts and emails and following RMT on social media. All RMT Network Rail members should have received a copy of the special bulletin in the post, if you have not received a copy, please contact your regional office. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews 17 Sample of Network Rail Current salary - 2021 2022 salary (increased 2023 salary (increased 2024 salary (increased Impact on salary of a Total loss of earnings roles and grades by projected RPI) by projected RPI) by projected RPI) 3-year pay freeze across 3 years (compared to annual (compared to annual pay rises in line with pay rises in line with RPI projections) RPI projections) S&T 2 £25,855 £26,553 £27,270 £28,006 -£2,151 -£4,264 S&T 6 £46,694 £47,955 £49,250 £50,579 -£3,885 -£7,702 Leading Trackman £24,669 £25,335 £26,019 £26,722 -£2,053 -£4,069 Team Leader level 1 £33,807 £34,720 £35,657 £36,620 -£2,813 -£5,576 Team Leader level 4 £40,672 £41,770 £42,898 £44,056 -£3,384 -£6,708 Signaller 1 £26,486 £27,201 £27,936 £28,690 -£2,204 -£4,369 Signaller 5 £38,355 £39,391 £40,454 £41,546 -£3,191 -£6,326 Signaller 10 £50,224 £51,580 £52,973 £54,403 -£4,179 -£8,284 COVID-19 – WHAT THEY SAID LAST YEAR “One thing which really has come through is the phenomenal levels of commitment from everyone in the railways. It is a reminder of the innate loyalty to the railways and the skills being used by colleagues to help save lives.” Andrew Haines, CEO Network Rail, April 2020 “Your members have been True Heroes.” Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, letter to Mick Cash, May 2020 WHAT THEY ARE SAYING TODAY “Outdated practices, and the impact of Covid on passenger numbers, show that the railway is not serving passengers, taxpayers or staff as well as it should.” Andrew Haines, CEO Network Rail, March 2021