After bitter rows over pay, conditions and jobs, union leaders confirmed that the next week’s Tube and rail strikes would go ahead.
Rail, Maritime and Transport union, (RMT), stated that it has held talks in the last few weeks with Network Rail, train operators, and London Underground.
Rail union RMT statement on the forthcoming Rail and Tube strikeshttps://t.co/SGipcU13uy pic.twitter.com/zl08Jd7tUa
— RMT (@RMTunion) June 18, 2022
Mick Lynch, the general secretary, stated that “despite the best efforts by our negotiators, no viable settlements have been created for the disputes.”
He confirmed that strikes will continue at Network Rail, 13 train operators, and London Underground on Tuesday, Thursday, and next Saturday.
Services will be crippled for the majority of the week due to the actions of tens of thousands of rail workers.
Lynch stated: “It must be reiterated that the source of these conflicts is the Tory Government’s decision to reduce £4bn funding from our transport system – £2bn national rail funding and £2bn Transport for London funding.
“As a consequence of the transport austerity imposed on the Government, the employing firms have decided to decimate the Railway Pension Scheme (and the Transport for London) scheme. This includes cutting benefits, making employees work longer and less in retirement and paying higher contributions.
Lynch stated that thousands of rail jobs were being eliminated and that workers were experiencing below-inflation increases in their pay.
“The RMT can’t be passive in the face of such a massive attack on our people.
“So today, after hearing the reports about the discussions that had been taking place, we confirm that the strike action on 21st, 23rd, and 25th of June will proceed.
“We want a transportation system that works for the benefit and the environment, not for profit.
“We appeal to the entire labour movement, and all working people to support the RMT and our workers in this struggle.”
