RMT's vote for a further six-month strike mandate threatens Christmas
Will Mick Grinch ruin your Christmas? RMT’s vote for a further six-month strike mandate threatens a miserable end to the year
- The union has called for 25 national strikes since last June in a row over pay
Rail travellers face another festive season of chaos after the RMT voted for a further six-month strike mandate.
It paves the way for the union’s boss Mick Lynch to target a second Christmas and New Year with walkouts.
The RMT sparked fury last year by ordering several strikes in December and January in a bid to hit those travelling to be with loved ones over the festive period.
This led to its boss being nicknamed ‘Mick Grinch’.
The union has called 25 national strikes since last June in a long-running row over pay and conditions. It is also threatening to call more walkouts over plans by ministers to close most remaining ticket offices in England.
The six-month strike mandate paves the way for the union’s boss Mick Lynch to target a second Christmas and New Year with walkouts
The union has called 25 national strikes since last June in a long-running row over pay and conditions
Some analyses estimate that rail strikes have cost the economy more than £5billion since last summer.
The new mandate will mean strikes can continue almost until early summer next year.
It allows the RMT to order unlimited walkouts during the period, but they must give two weeks of notice.
Overall, 89.9 per cent of members voted in favour of more strike action, on a 63.6 per cent turnout.
The ballot included 20,000 guards, catering staff and ticket sellers for 14 train firms covering most of England. Mr Lynch said: ‘I congratulate our members for delivering a decisive mandate for future industrial action as we pursue a negotiated settlement of jobs, pay and conditions.’
The RMT has been offered a 9 per cent pay rise over two years but has refused to put it to members in a vote.
Aslef, which represents train drivers, has snubbed an 8 per cent pay hike over two years which would take the driver’s average salary to £65,000.
Source: Read Full Article