Menu
20/05/2004
Network Rail staff vote for strike action
Members of the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail have today voted to take industrial action.
The move is in response to members' concerns over pensions, two-tier travel concessions and pay.
Following the poll, the RMT executive committee will now meet to decide what form that industrial action will take after consulting with local representatives. Any action could also include a move to co-ordinate with London Underground members who are currently being balloted over pay and conditions.
There were 2,947 members (58%) pro-industrial action, with 2,246 (42%) against – the turn out for the vote was 68%.
Network Rail has expressed its "disappointment", and said that any potential strike would be "deeply damaging to both passengers and the country as a whole".
The company also said that the size of the RMT vote was far from representative of the majority of Network Rail staff.
With less than half of Network Rail’s operations and maintenance employees in the RMT union, and only 38% of RMT members voting for strike action, this means that less than one-in-five of Network Rail’s operations and maintenance employees have supported this strike action, the company said.
Chief Executive John Armitt said that the board would do it could to avert a strike.
“The result should come as no surprise as the RMT has failed to fully inform its members of the facts about the offers we have made. This news is a damaging blow to passengers and the country as a whole. This is a pointless and unnecessary dispute. Despite our best efforts to communicate the true facts to our employees the RMT’s campaign of misinformation has proved successful."
However, RMT general secretary Bob Crow slammed the Network Rail bosses for awarding themselves "telephone-number bonuses", and overlooking the grievances of ordinary workers.
He added: "Without a word of negotiation they have closed a decent pension scheme and imposed a cheaper, inferior scheme no better than a glorified savings plan.
"They have refused point-blank to discuss the two-tier conditions on travel facilities, and they have told us there is no room for further discussion on pay, and then pretended to be surprised when the talks broke down.
"Our members have made it clear that their pensions are not an optional luxury that can be cut to help boost the bosses’ bonus fund."
Mr Crow said that the union remained ready to talk, but warned Network Rail bosses that they have would to enter serious negotiations to resolve the issue.
Network Rail said that it would endeavour to run as many train services as possible during any strike, although plans cannot be finalised or released until closer to the day of any potential strike action in order to gauge the numbers of key staff available.
(gmcg)
The move is in response to members' concerns over pensions, two-tier travel concessions and pay.
Following the poll, the RMT executive committee will now meet to decide what form that industrial action will take after consulting with local representatives. Any action could also include a move to co-ordinate with London Underground members who are currently being balloted over pay and conditions.
There were 2,947 members (58%) pro-industrial action, with 2,246 (42%) against – the turn out for the vote was 68%.
Network Rail has expressed its "disappointment", and said that any potential strike would be "deeply damaging to both passengers and the country as a whole".
The company also said that the size of the RMT vote was far from representative of the majority of Network Rail staff.
With less than half of Network Rail’s operations and maintenance employees in the RMT union, and only 38% of RMT members voting for strike action, this means that less than one-in-five of Network Rail’s operations and maintenance employees have supported this strike action, the company said.
Chief Executive John Armitt said that the board would do it could to avert a strike.
“The result should come as no surprise as the RMT has failed to fully inform its members of the facts about the offers we have made. This news is a damaging blow to passengers and the country as a whole. This is a pointless and unnecessary dispute. Despite our best efforts to communicate the true facts to our employees the RMT’s campaign of misinformation has proved successful."
However, RMT general secretary Bob Crow slammed the Network Rail bosses for awarding themselves "telephone-number bonuses", and overlooking the grievances of ordinary workers.
He added: "Without a word of negotiation they have closed a decent pension scheme and imposed a cheaper, inferior scheme no better than a glorified savings plan.
"They have refused point-blank to discuss the two-tier conditions on travel facilities, and they have told us there is no room for further discussion on pay, and then pretended to be surprised when the talks broke down.
"Our members have made it clear that their pensions are not an optional luxury that can be cut to help boost the bosses’ bonus fund."
Mr Crow said that the union remained ready to talk, but warned Network Rail bosses that they have would to enter serious negotiations to resolve the issue.
Network Rail said that it would endeavour to run as many train services as possible during any strike, although plans cannot be finalised or released until closer to the day of any potential strike action in order to gauge the numbers of key staff available.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
23 June 2004
Network Rail in High Court bid to halt strike
Network Rail has applied to the High Court for an injunction against strike action by rail workers proceeding next week. The Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union is to hold a 24-hour strike on Tuesday June 29 and Wednesday June 30, over a failure to reach agreement on pensions.
Network Rail in High Court bid to halt strike
Network Rail has applied to the High Court for an injunction against strike action by rail workers proceeding next week. The Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union is to hold a 24-hour strike on Tuesday June 29 and Wednesday June 30, over a failure to reach agreement on pensions.
07 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Goes Ahead
Rail services across Scotland will be affected by strike action following the break down of talks with Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) staff over roster agreements. About 450 RMT signallers and signalling supervisors staff walked out from midday on Tuesday and are due to strike from the same time on Thursday.
Scottish Rail Strike Goes Ahead
Rail services across Scotland will be affected by strike action following the break down of talks with Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) staff over roster agreements. About 450 RMT signallers and signalling supervisors staff walked out from midday on Tuesday and are due to strike from the same time on Thursday.
25 May 2004
RMT and Network Rail agree to 'preliminary talks'
Preliminary talks aimed at resolving a dispute between the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union and Network Rail are set to take place on Friday. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that if these preliminary talks proved successful, in-depth negotiations would be able to commence next week.
RMT and Network Rail agree to 'preliminary talks'
Preliminary talks aimed at resolving a dispute between the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union and Network Rail are set to take place on Friday. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that if these preliminary talks proved successful, in-depth negotiations would be able to commence next week.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
