REVERSE TRANSPORT POLICE CUTS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: nov/dec 2025 :: RMTnews 8 T he union celebrated a major win in the maritime industry after securing pay rises of up to 37 per cent for workers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The union has been in intense negotiations with the employer and has now won agreement on a new pay scale and wage rates. Pay increases range from 10 per cent to 37 per cent with a huge chunk of members receiving a 26 per cent pay rise. As part of the deal, specialist allowances and end- of-year performance payments have also been secured for staff. The BAS is a world-leading centre for polar operations recognised for scientific excellence and innovation in extreme environments. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that it was a fantastic win for members and congratulated them and their negotiators for securing it. “We have won substantial pay increases and secured a new allowance system based on union involvement and proper recognition of experience and skill for all those contributing to the BAS. "This result shows the value of strong union organisation and how determined negotiations can deliver results, particularly in the maritime industry,” he said. R MT has called for cuts to the British Transport Police (BTP) to be reversed and for urgent action to deliver a safer, properly policed railway following the horrific mass stabbing in Cambridgeshire. New figures show the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) BTP officers has fallen to just over 0.8 per million passenger journeys, down from over 0.9 per million last year — an 11 per cent drop and almost a third fewer than in 2009/10, when there were 1.2 officers per million journeys. In the latest report to the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), the Chief Constable warned that the force was now “operating at the limits of safe headcount reduction”. This year alone, 522 BTP posts have been cut, with another 51 expected to go over the next two years through natural wastage. RMT said that over 1,000 additional officers were needed to ensure a visible police presence on stations and trains. At the same time, BTP data shows rising crime and antisocial behaviour across the rail network:  • Overall crime up 5.4 per cent last year • Antisocial behaviour incidents requiring urgent response up nine per cent • Violent offences up 14 per cent • Offences involving women and girls up 12 per cent RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that the horrific mass stabbing on board a train diverted to Huntingdon station had shocked the whole country and underlined why safety and security for rail workers and passengers must be the top priority. “We need a properly resourced British Transport Police and a visible presence of officers on stations and trains to reassure passengers and protect staff all year round. “The BTP has seen officer numbers fall by almost a third since 2009, at the same time as violent crime and antisocial behaviour have risen sharply on the rail network,” he said. (see page 10,11). BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY PAY WIN REVERSE TRANSPORT POLICE CUTS