UK rail union calls off all-out strike due this week

MEMBERS of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union were due to walk out for 24 hours on Thursday, June 4 from 5pm and for 48 hours the following week, after rejecting two proposed deals. Now, after four days of talks with the conciliation service ACAS, the plans have been called off while union members consider a new deal.

A new and improved pay offer was made, which according to reports, consists of a two per cent pay rise this year, a rise in line with the Retail Price Index next year, a job security package and efficiency savings.

The all-out national rail strike, had it gone ahead, was expected to cause havoc for those travelling by rail, however an ACAS spokesman confirmed: “After four days of intensive talks, ACAS has helped Network Rail, RMT, TSSA and Unite formulate a set of revised proposals that the trades unions will now take away to consider.

“Recognising this, the RMT has agreed to suspend the industrial action planned for this week and next.”

RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, who initially said members had no choice but to strike, said: “Following extensive ACAS talks throughout the weekend RMT has now received a revised offer that enables us to suspend the planned industrial action while we consult in full on the details of the revised package with our Network Rail representatives.”

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne was very happy with the outcome, citing: “I am very pleased that the industrial action has been suspended.

“With ACAS help, we have had very constructive talks with the unions over the weekend and I hope they will be able to agree this deal.”