Possible agreement in rail strike
Further negotiations have taken place between the Rail Delivery Group and Union RMT. The RMT revealed today that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the current dispute has been developed which sets out:
- a process for a mutually agreed way forward,
- including a backdated 2022 pay rise for staff and
- job security guarantees.
The RMT has agreed to put the MOU to its members in each of the Train Operating Companies. There will be a referendum vote on the MOU.
If accepted, this MOU will terminate the national dispute mandate given to the RMT by its members.
This means there will be a pause and respite from industrial action over the Christmas period. That will continue into Spring next year. That will in turn allow negotiations on proposed reforms to take place at local train operating company level.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a welcome development and our members will now decide in an e-referendum whether they want to accept this new offer from the RDG.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We welcome the RMT putting this fair and reasonable offer to its members in a referendum, marking a positive step towards resolving this dispute.”