Train strikes: RMT ‘considering’ next steps after receiving revised offer from rail companies

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) insists no decision has been taken on a new offer from train companies, submitted in an effort to stave off further strikes.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents British passenger and freight rail companies, put the new offer forward following a series of “constructive joint discussions with the RMT leadership”, which it said provides reassurances around job terms and conditions for its employees.

A spokesperson for RDG said: "Our ambition remains to secure long-term, rewarding careers for our people, a better service for passengers and a railway that takes no more than its fair share from the taxpayer.

“Our hope is that the RMT executive will put this proposal to its full train operating company membership and allow them a say on the deal, so we can end this dispute and work together to deliver a strong future for Britain’s railway and all those who work on it.”

The RMT recently suspended strikes planned for March 30 and April 1 which would have impacted services including South Western Railway and Southern.

The union, which represents more than 83,000 members from across the transport industry, has been holding strikes since summer last year.

An RMT spokesperson confirmed the union has no further strike dates planned at the moment, but that it is in the process of re-balloting its members on the dispute, with the ballot to close on May 4.

On the RDG’s revised officer, the spokesperson said: “We have received an updated offer from the RDG and our NEC is considering its contents. No decision on any next steps has been taken.”