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Rail strike: RMT union ‘will not hesitate’ to take more industrial action as Tuesday walkout disrupts weekend | UK News


Railroad union boss Mick Lynch has warned his members won’t hesitate to take further strike action as he says the disruptive dispute has “a long way to go”.

But he insisted the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union would engage in a “constructive dialogue” and work with Network Rail and the train companies to reach an agreement that both sides agree.

Latest rail strike: Popular seaside resorts with no rail service

Mr. Lynch was speaking to Sky News when train services were hit by third walk this week about jobs, wages and conditions.

Only one-fifth of the services are active and half of the routes are closed.

Passengers have been warned by railway operators that they should take the train only if necessary and check their journeys ahead of time.

“There is still a long way to go in terms of a breakthrough in the current industrial conflict.

“Most of the things our members have voted very strongly to act are things that are on the table and they haven’t diluted the things they want and that’s true for train operators and the Network. Rail.”

He added: “We have to be very cautious about what they call progress.

“There may be progress in their agenda, but that doesn’t mean our members will accept those changes just because the company wants them to.

“We have to deal with that with them.

“We will do it in a constructive dialogue but there is still a long way to go to resolve this dispute.”

Train companies ‘don’t listen’

The platforms at London's Waterloo station are closed as train services continue to be disrupted following a nationwide strike by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union over a dispute over wages. employment and conditions.  Date taken: Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

Mr. Lynch continued: “The whole point of dialogue and negotiation is that people change their positions and you get a new position that doesn’t belong to either side so you can form a constructive path forward. before.

“Currently, companies are giving us all the reforms they want, but they’re not listening enough to what we need and our members need to have a good working life. on the railway line.

“They need to change their position on what they are offering in terms of pay, what they can do to secure jobs and how they engage their employees and come to an agreement with us on how everyone works.

“We’ll be working with them on that. We’re not naming a date. We’ll look at our position in the discussions next week and then we’ll decide if we can. whether further action is required.

“Network Rail made a formal statement admitting last week that it is completely unacceptable as a step to be taken in the middle of a negotiation.”

‘We are investing more in rail than any previous government’

Railway strike

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson told Sky News the public is right to expect reforms to rail service.

“I would say, given our situation, I think what we want to see is reform and improve the way the railways work and modernize,” he said.

“When you’ve reduced the number of riders by 25%, which we have at the moment, we’ve asked the government to invest billions and billions (in it).

“We are investing more in rail than any previous government.

“I think the traveling public has a right to expect some fundamental reforms, like the box office, like walking time, and some other practices that no one really defends except public leaders. group.”

Striker

Many were able to avoid rail disruption during the first two days of the strike – Tuesday and Thursday – by working from home.

But for those planning to travel by train for weekend events, this is not an option.

Popular seaside resorts – such as Bournemouth, Blackpool, Margate, Llandudno and Skegness – will not have rail service.

And even active services will only operate from 7.30am to 6.30pm, with some major stations such as Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly closing at 7pm.

Disruptions are also expected to affect many services on Sunday.

Read more:
RMT warns rail strikes could ‘escalate’ if no deal is reached
Here’s what you need to know about disruptions
British Airways workers at Heathrow vote to strike during school summer break

Passengers with tickets reserved for Saturday can travel on Friday, Sunday or Monday or request a refund.

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This week’s strikes are estimated to have cost the rail industry up to £150 million in lost revenue and canceled planned upgrade work.

Negotiations between RMT and rail employers have been held throughout this week and are expected to continue over the next few days.



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