RMT members overwhelmingly back further strike action

[Philip]

RMT members overwhelmingly back further strike action

RAIL union RMT announced the results of a re-ballot of members working for 14 train operating companies today which massively re-affirmed a mandate for further strike action.

www.rmt.org.uk

4 May 2023

RMT Press Office:

RAIL union RMT announced the results of a re-ballot of members working for 14 train operating companies today which massively re-affirmed a mandate for further strike action.

All the ballots passed the 50 per cent participation threshold imposed by the government’s anti-trade union laws and included massive votes for further strike action.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the overwhelming backing for further strike action across 14 train operating companies was a de-facto referendum on the dispute.
“It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions.
“This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.
“They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers,” he said.


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This is incredibly disappointing.

 

[zwk500]

It's very disappointing for passengers and the government, but it's hardly surprising given the state of negotiations and the level of morale in the industry.

 

[westv]

What have the TOCs not involved done that the ones who are involved haven't?

 

[Philip]

It's very disappointing for passengers and the government, but it's hardly surprising given the state of negotiations and the level of morale in the industry.

The RMT NEC have manipulated the industry and people who have voted to continue the strikes need to think more about compromise. Now the government could just force through what they want because of the stubborn nature of the RMT and some of the industry who aren't prepared to accept any compromise.

 

[Snow1964]

GTR had a low turnout of only 56.76% and number voting yes was less than half the number eligible to vote

Puts pressure if less than half eligible voted the way RMT wanted, even if those who did vote, were 87% in favour.

 

[yorksrob]

The fact that Network Rail workers have settled suggests that there is a deal to be done, if the Government chooses to do it

 

[Tetchytyke]

It's very disappointing for passengers and the government

I don’t know, I think this government will be delighted at this. As we’ve already seen, they’re quite content to spend more money making a political point than it would cost to settle in good faith. They want their Scargill moment before next year, and they’ll spaff away as much money as they need to achieve it.

 

[JonathanH]

The fact that Network Rail workers have settled suggests that there is a deal to be done, if the Government chooses to do it

It isn't just about pay for the TOC employees though. What worked for Network Rail people is unlikely to work here.

The RMT NEC have manipulated the industry and people who have voted to continue the strikes need to think more about compromise. Now the government could just force through what they want because of the stubborn nature of the RMT and some of the industry who aren't prepared to accept any compromise.

What compromise is acceptable to both parties on T&Cs?

 

[yorksrob]

It isn't just about pay for the TOC employees though. What worked for Network Rail people is unlikely to work here.

As I understood it, it wasn't just about pay for NR staff either.

Conditions were cited as a major factor in that dispute on this forum

 

[Tetchytyke]

Now the government could just force through what they want because of the stubborn nature of the RMT

Could they? Fire-and-rehire wouldn’t play well, not after P&O Ferries.

 

[JonathanH]

As I understood it, it wasn't just about pay for NR staff either.

It was for the operational side, less so for maintenance workers admittedly.

 

[Tetchytyke]

The RMT NEC have manipulated the industry and people who have voted to continue the strikes need to think more about compromise.

I love the idea of “union barons” pulling everyone’s strings. It’s not true, but it’s a fabulous image.

Of course the government are ready and waiting to compromise(!).

It takes two to negotiate. Sadly it looks as though the government have no interest in doing so.

 

[Philip]

What compromise is acceptable to both parties on T&Cs?

The proposal put forward recently by the government which the RMT rejected the other week. It seemed a reasonable deal to me and to a lot of other rail staff, the RMT are just trying to flex their muscles with the government.

 

[Snow1964]

The totals are interesting
13,091 voted to strike out of 20,890

So 7800 didn't vote yes

How much of a service can you run with 30% of staff not interested in striking

 

[LowLevel]

The RMT NEC have manipulated the industry and people who have voted to continue the strikes need to think more about compromise. Now the government could just force through what they want because of the stubborn nature of the RMT and some of the industry who aren't prepared to accept any compromise.

They're not having my rest day pattern for all the tea in China. I hate striking but until these productivity proposals start to acknowledge the impact they'll have on the staff I'll carry on doing it.

No changing patterns depending on the roster content each cycle and no random weeks dropped on you the week before. Been there, done it, it's crap. I'd lose my match with my partner to boot.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2023 ==

The totals are interesting
13,091 voted to strike out of 20,890

So 7800 didn't vote yes

How much of a service can you run with 30% of staff not interested in striking

Most people who don't bother to vote who are union members, or indeed those who vote no, go along with the action anyway.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I similarly wouldn't vote for those rest day proposals either, having read them. I'd probably accept the rest of it were that removed.

 

[yorksrob]

It was for the operational side, less so for maintenance workers admittedly.

It's a bad day for passengers (I am one) but I can't see any improvement with this government in charge unfortunately.

 

[Mainsideman]

The totals are interesting
13,091 voted to strike out of 20,890

So 7800 didn't vote yes

How much of a service can you run with 30% of staff not interested in striking

People didnt vote for there own reasons, I would have personally voted yes if it wasnt for reasons meaning I coudnt vote at all!

 

[Philip]

They're not having my rest day pattern for all the tea in China. I hate striking but until these productivity proposals start to acknowledge the impact they'll have on the staff I'll carry on doing it.

No changing patterns depending on the roster content each cycle and no random weeks dropped on you the week before. Been there, done it, it's crap. I'd lose my match with my partner to boot.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2023 ==

Yes but it is not fair that station, retail, cleaning and other staff are being strung along with these strikes when they are not helping our own role. The RMT are not really interested in the future of dispatchers, the ticket office and cleaners; they are focused on the role of the guard and specifically DOO, so why should the rest of us be involved or 'expected' to strike at all?

 

[JonathanH]

It's a bad day for passengers (I am one) but I can't see any improvement with this government in charge unfortunately.

Well the passengers need to start making a stand then and contributing to the RMT strike fund, or otherwise supporting the RMT side.

Then the workers might be able to go all out on strike, and then there might be a resolution.

Unfortunately the alternative is the occasional days of action rolling on for the foreseeable future.

 

[winks]

When do Network Rail staff get their 9% rise ?

 

[ainsworth74]

What have the TOCs not involved done that the ones who are involved haven't?

Lumo, Hull Trains and Grand Central are outside the DfT's control as Open Access Operators so they can make their own agreements as they see fit. ScotRail and TfW are similarly under the control of the Scottish and Welsh Governments so, again, are able to make agreements as those devolved administrations see fit.

 

[Buffer stop]

I suppose this puts to bed the "they need to put the offer to the members"



The quicker they undersrand members won't just give up their T&C's the quicker this will get resolved.

I'm not a member but full agree with their stand on this.

 

[yorksrob]

Well the passengers need to start making a stand then and contributing to the RMT strike fund, or otherwise supporting the RMT side.

Then the workers might be able to go all out on strike, and then there might be a resolution.

Unfortunately the alternative is the occasional days of action rolling on for the foreseeable future.

It's not up to me to directly influence an RMT strike (I have my own union to influence as it happens).

The Government is answerable to me though.

 

[JonathanH]

It's not up to me to directly influence an RMT strike (I have my own union to influence as it happens).

I didn't say it was, but the government has shown it isn't going to move position on the basis of occasional strikes. This is essentially stalemate with the RMT an underdog in the fight.

 

[KM1991]

Yes but it is not fair that station, retail, cleaning and other staff are being strung along with these strikes when they are not helping our own role. The RMT are not really interested in the future of dispatchers, the ticket office and cleaners; they are focused on the role of the guard and specifically DOO, so why should the rest of us be involved or 'expected' to strike at all?

There’s literally a whole section in the offer that relates to station staff. Depending on what TOC you work for, there are a lot of changes the RDG is trying to implement…and not for the better.

 

[yorksrob]

I didn't say it was, but the government has shown it isn't going to move position on the basis of occasional strikes. This is essentially stalemate with the RMT an underdog in the fight.

I don't support strike action, but I do have some sympathy with rail workers defending their conditions.

As a passenger, I also have zero faith in this Government acting for me either, based on their record of cuts and withdrawing rolling stock without replacement, therefore I intend to make my point at the ballot box when the opportunity arises.

 

[winks]

BBC are reporting a 90% YES vote on a 70% turnout. Seems pretty overwhelming:

RMT union votes to continue strike action

RMT members back fresh rail strikes, meaning industrial action could continue until November

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[High Dyke]

When do Network Rail staff get their 9% rise ?

Advance payment was made end of March. Rest was paid in April. However, as usual NR made a complete c*ck-up. Some didn't get the correct back pay, whilst others were deducted incorrect amounts.

 

[LowLevel]

Lumo, Hull Trains and Grand Central are outside the DfT's control as Open Access Operators so they can make their own agreements as they see fit. ScotRail and TfW are similarly under the control of the Scottish and Welsh Governments so, again, are able to make agreements as those devolved administrations see fit.

It's joyous. You can work for TfW in Crewe in England and your T&Cs are safe. Work in the other office for WMR and the UK Government are determined to make hay while the sun shines and plunder everything you've got under threat of the death of the industry. I try not to hate people, but I really do hate them so much for the position they've taken.

I still work my arse off but I'm fed up of it and I think the stress is making me ill.

Yes but it is not fair that station, retail, cleaning and other staff are being strung along with these strikes when they are not helping our own role. The RMT are not really interested in the future of dispatchers, the ticket office and cleaners; they are focused on the role of the guard and specifically DOO, so why should the rest of us be involved or 'expected' to strike at all?

I have every sympathy with that but at the end of the day I can only vote on what is front of me and no offence but I'm not willing to sacrifice my work life balance to free you from feeling any obligation. By all means if you want to be left to meander your own way with your booking office and it's future then for me you would have your blessing.