Train strikes: RMT union members accept pay offer but Aslef walkouts to go ahead

Rail workers have voted to accept a pay deal, ending their involvement in a long-running series of strikes.

Members of the RMT union agreed to an offer from train companies which included a backdated pay rise of 5% for 2022-23 as well as job security guarantees.

It means that RMT members will no longer be involved in industrial action until at least the spring of next year.

However planned industrial action by Aslef, the train drivers union is still set to go ahead.

Aslef members at 16 train operating companies in England will walk out on different days between December 2 and 8.

The RMT's deal with train companies ends an 18-month row over pay, job security and conditions.

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our members have spoken in huge numbers to accept this unconditional pay offer and no compulsory redundancies until the end of 2024.

"I want to congratulate them on their steadfastness in this long industrial campaign.

“We will be negotiating further with the train operators over reforms they want to see. And we will never shy away from vigorously defending our members' terms and conditions, now or in the future. 

“This campaign shows that sustained strike action and unity gets results and our members should be proud of the role they have played in securing this deal.”

What is the government saying?

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “This is welcome news for passengers and a significant step towards resolving industrial disputes on the railway, giving workers a pay rise before Christmas and a pathway to delivering long overdue reforms.

“It remains the case that the train drivers' union Aslef continue to block their members from having a say on the offer that would take train drivers' median salaries from £60,000 to £65,000 for a 35-hour, 4-day week – Aslef should follow the RMT's lead and give their members a say.”

What is the Rail Delivery Group saying?

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: “This welcome vote from RMT members will unlock a pay rise for our people, and means that fair agreements have now been reached with three out of the four unions involved in the recent industrial dispute.

“Unfortunately, the Aslef leadership's decision to call further industrial action means passengers still face disruption between 1-9 December, despite an offer remaining on the table which would see basic driver salaries increase from £60k to £65k for a four-day week. 

“We want to reach a fair agreement which will get more trains running on time and put the railway on a sustainable footing, at a time when taxpayers are contributing an extra £54m a week to keep services running post covid. Instead of staging more damaging industrial action, we call on Aslef to work with us to resolve this dispute for the long-term good of everyone who works in rail and the millions of businesses and passengers who rely on it every day."