The RMT union said rail workers will strike for two more dates at the start of next month despite ongoing talks with train companies over a pay deal.
(Bloomberg) — The RMT union said rail workers will strike for two more dates at the start of next month despite ongoing talks with train companies over a pay deal.
The labor group said as many as 40,000 members will walk out on Feb. 1 and 3. Earlier in the day another union, Aslef, said train drivers would strike on the same dates in a move likely to bring the rail network to a standstill.
The first date will coincide with separate strikes by teachers and as many as 100,000 civil servants who are also demanding higher pay in the face of double-digit inflation. Labor groups will also stage protests on Feb. 1 against a proposed law that would allow the government to enforce minimum levels of service during strikes.
While Aslef has rejected a fresh pay offer from train companies, the RMT remains in talks.
“Our negotiations will continue with the rail operators to create a package on jobs, conditions and pay that can be offered to our members,” said Mick Lynch, the RMT’s general secretary.
Earlier in the day, Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: “The proposal is not and could not ever be acceptable but we are willing to engage in further discussions within the process that we previously agreed.”
Aslef’s pay deal would have taken drivers’ base annual salaries from £60,000 ($73,800) to nearly £65,000, according to a spokesperson from the Rail Delivery Group which represents train companies. They said it was “disappointing” the offer was not put to members.
The rail strikes will affect as many as 15 train companies across the UK.
(Updates with RMT’s announcement of new strike dates.)
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