RMT union votes to accept pay offers from train companies and Network Rail, ending two year dispute

RMT members backed a one-year rise of 4.5% at Network Rail (NR) and increases at train operators of 4.75% for the last year and 4.5% for 2024/25.

Almost 99% of train company members voted in favour while NR workers backed their pay rise by 88%. The RMT said the ballot results mean that the long-running national rail dispute is now over.

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A statement said: “This outcome reflects the collective efforts of our membership in defending their jobs, working conditions, pay, and pensions from the attacks of the previous Tory government and their private contractors. We thank our members for their efforts during this long but successful campaign.

“Their resolve has been essential in navigating the challenges posed during negotiations and in particular the previous Tory government’s refusal to negotiate in good faith, alongside relentless attacks by sections of the media and the employers.

“RMT remains focused and committed to supporting public ownership as a path to building a stronger future for the rail industry for both workers and passengers.”

Transport secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “This is a necessary step towards fixing our railways and getting the country moving. It will ensure a more reliable service by helping to protect passengers from national strikes, and crucially, it clears the way for vital reform and modernising working practices to ensure a better performing railway for everyone.”

Last week, train drivers who are members of the Aslef union voted to back a pay deal.

This vote ended the longest dispute in which 13,000 drivers from 16 train companies took 18 days of strike action as well as refusing to work non-contractual overtime.