Planned rail strikes in the UK are set to go ahead from next week after the RMT union rejected a new pay offer aimed at ending the long-running dispute.
The RMT, which represents around 40,000 workers, is in dispute with Network Rail and 14 train operating companies over pay, jobs and working conditions.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the train companies, announced it was offering RMT members an “outline framework agreement” on Sunday (4 December) including pay increases of up to 8 per cent over two years.
But this was swiftly rejected by the RMT which said that the deal meant “vast changes” to working practices, “huge” job losses and the closure of all ticket offices. The union has also demanded a meeting with rail bosses on Monday (5 December).
RMT members are due to take part in a series of four 48-hour strikes on 13-14 and 16-17 December, as well as on 3-4 and 6-7 January. There will also be an overtime ban from 18 December to 2 January, which will cause further disruption to services during the Christmas holiday period.
Mick Lynch, the union's general secretary, said: “We have rejected this offer as it does not meet any of our criteria for securing a settlement on long-term job security, a decent pay rise and protecting working conditions.
“If this plan was implemented, it would not only mean the loss of thousands of jobs but the use of unsafe practices such as DOO (Driver Only Operated) trains and would leave our railways chronically understaffed.
“RMT is demanding an urgent meeting with the RDG with a view to securing a negotiated settlement on job security, working conditions and pay.”
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group called the latest offer “fair and affordable” and would lead to the implementation of “long-overdue reforms” in working practices.
"We urge the RMT leadership to put this offer to its membership and remove the threat of a month of industrial action over Christmas that will upset the travel plans of millions and cause real hardship for businesses which depend on Christmas custom,” added the spokesperson.