RMT MEMBERS VOTE TO REJECT NETWORK RAIL PAY OFFER

 

www.rmt.org.uk

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

24^th  March 2015

Immediate

RMT MEMBERS VOTE TO REJECT NETWORK RAIL PAY OFFER

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that Network Rail members in Operations, Maintenance, Customer Services and associated grades have voted overwhelmingly to reject what the company says is its final pay offer. 

The offer has been rejected by a massive 93% on a 56% turn out. 

The pay package proposals which have been overwhelmingly rejected are summarised as follows.

• 2015 - A 0%  increase in pay.
• 2016, 2017, 2018 - An RPI level of inflation increase in pay would be applied for each year.
• The “No Compulsory Redundancy” commitment would be extended until 31^st December 2015.
• Network Rail will provide an annual National Rail Card giving a 33% reduction in off peak travel for employees, their friends and family.

 

17,000 RMT members were balloted in all areas of Network Rail in the referendum and the union has made it clear that as members have now rejected the offer RMT is placed in formal dispute with Network Rail and preparations will begin for a ballot for industrial action.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“Our members have decisively rejected the pay package offered by Network Rail and as we said right from the start that puts us into dispute and triggers preparations for a national industrial action ballot.

“As far as we are concerned 0% in 2015 is a pay cut as it means that our members pay will not keep up with the cost of living. The travel offer we have received is nothing more than a card that can be purchased by any member of the travelling public, falling well short of our demand of free travel for all. In addition, we are extremely concerned that the “No Compulsory Redundancy” commitment only applies to the first year of the four year deal.

“RMT is in no doubt that this leaves Operations and Maintenance members extremely vulnerable, especially with the continued development of Rail Operating Centres and the on-going cuts programme at Network Rail.

“RMT remains available for talks and we hope that the company will appreciate the anger amongst staff at the current offer on pay and conditions from Network Rail and that they will agree to our call to come back to the table with an improved package.”

 

 Ends