Train firms give RMT union ‘best and final offer’ in bid to end crippling strikes over pay
TRAIN firms have made a “best and final offer” to the RMT rail union in a bid to end the long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
A minimum pay rise of 9 per cent over two years has been tabled with a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies until December next year.
Lower-paid staff would receive a guaranteed £1,750 in the first year following intense talks in recent days.
A contentious plan to expand driver-only operation has been dropped but voluntary working arrangements on a Sunday will be formalised to reduce delays and disruption for passengers.
Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “This is a fair offer that gives RMT members a significant uplift over the next two years – weighted particularly for those on lower incomes who we know are most feeling the squeeze.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the union’s ruling body will consider the offer and decide its next steps.
Strike action is understood to have cost the industry about £480 million in lost ticket revenue since June, on top of its current £2 billion fares shortfall after the pandemic.