DEFEND RAIL, JOBS, PAY AND PENSIONS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2022 :: RMTnews 16 The core of the campaign is: • Protect your Earnings – BUST THE PAY FREEZE – you deserve a pay rise • Protect your Job – NO Compulsory Redundancies • Protect your working practices, terms and conditions • Protect the Railway Pension Scheme – keep it open and affordable for members The union is giving a clear message that it is prepared to campaign and fight, to protect members and win a pay rise and protect jobs, conditions, and pensions. This may culminate in coordinated industrial action across the rail network, in all affected companies. WHAT CAN I DO? • Spread the word – that we all have to be ready to take whatever steps are necessary to defend our futures. • Ensure that your colleagues are RMT members. It’s quick and easy to join online at www.rmt.org.uk/about/join- rmt/. Together we are stronger. • Get involved in the campaign. Details are available at www.rmt.org.uk/campaigns /rail/defend-rail/ • Make sure we have your up-to-date details. These are not only your contact details but also your work grade and location. If you’re not sure email info@rmt.org.uk or call 0800 376 3706 • Keep updated - Look out for RMT texts and emails and stay in touch with your local rep. • Follow RMT on social media at @RMTunion WORKING FOR LESS - WHAT THE PAY FREEZE MEANS Rail workers have already been subjected to pay freezes and now an open-ended pay freeze could be imposed on all members despite soaring inflation creating a cost-of- living crisis. National insurance is also due to rise. Below is what a three-year pay freeze could look like. There is also a question mark over the very notion that there should be annual pay deals at all! Rail worker pay has always been calculated using the Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation. RPI inflation reached a thirty-year high of 7.1 per cent in November 2021, and independent forecasters are projecting RPI inflation to run at an average of 4.5 per cent between 2022 and 2024. The table below shows how various salaries could look in three years’ time after an annual pay rise in line with RPI projections and therefore how much worse off workers could instead be after a pay freeze, both in terms of the impact on salary and the total loss of salary earnings after three years. Staff working for the majority of TOCs also did not get a pay rise in 2020, therefore, the total loss of earnings will be even higher for these workers. WORKING HARDER, FOR LESS Whilst cutting your pay, the employers want you to DEFEND RAIL, JOBS, PAY AND PENSIONS Union launches campaign across Network Rail and Train Operating Companies to defend your pay, jobs, conditions and pensions.