The UK’s Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ union has cancelled a strike scheduled against Network Rail next week, following the receipt of a fresh pay proposal from the employer.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the RMT disclosed that “there will be a referendum on the new offer held with further details to be announced.” The union had previously planned a complete day of strikes for Mar. 16 involving Network Rail members responsible for maintaining the tracks. Nonetheless, strikes are still slated to happen at 14 train operating firms on Mar. 16, 18, and 30, as well as Apr. 1.
By choosing to seek input from its members, the UK’s Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ union has sparked optimism of a breakthrough in the protracted pay disagreement that has resulted in months of chaos on the rail system.
Starting in June of last year, train users have experienced almost 30 days of rail strikes as employees clamour for better wages, job security, and work environments.
According to a statement given to BBC News, Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines stated that the firm is “grateful for our personnel, commuters, and freight clients that labour unrest at Network Rail has now been halted. We anticipate additional information on the referendum.”
The RMT had previously referred to pay proposals from both Network Rail and train companies as “terrible” and had denied them after extensive consultation with local union branches. The organization represents over 40,000 rail workers.
