TIME TO STRIKE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2022 :: RMTnews 7 RMT is launching the largest national strike action since 1989 across the railway network involving over 50,000 railway workers. The union will shut down the country's railway network on 21, 23 and 25 June, due to the inability of railway employers to come to a negotiated settlement with RMT. Network Rail and the train operating companies have subjected their staff to multi- year pay freezes and plan to cut thousands of jobs which will make the railways unsafe. Despite intense talks with the rail bosses, RMT has not been able to secure a pay proposal nor a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies. In a separate dispute over pensions and job losses, London Underground RMT members will take strike action on June 21. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that railway workers had been treated appallingly and despite the best efforts of the union in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously. "We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at over 11 per cent and rising. "Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system. "Rail companies are making at least £500m a year in profits, whilst fat cat rail bosses have been paid millions during the Covid-19 pandemic. "This unfairness is fuelling our members anger and their determination to win a fair settlement. "RMT is open to meaningful negotiations with rail bosses and ministers, but they will need to come up with new proposals to prevent months of disruption on our railways," he said. In a message to RMT members Mick Lynch warned: “Your cost of living is soaring – inflation, national insurance and bills have all increased. Your pay has been frozen while much of the rail industry is making big profits. “Your employer won’t guarantee your job security and wants to attack your hard- won conditions of employment. You have been a key worker during the pandemic – you deserve better,” he said. TIME TO STRIKE Rail and tube workers, over half of the union’s membership, take strike action this month