UK rail workers receive fresh offer from train operators

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train firms in the UK, made a new offer to the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) on Thursday, raising hopes of a breakthrough in the long-running pay dispute.

In a statement released by the RDG, the operators said they have made the “best and final offer” for onboard train crew and station staff, including a pay rise of 9% over two years, with 5% backdated to January 2022.

Steve Montgomery, the chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “This is a fair offer that gives RMT members a significant uplift over the next two years - weighted particularly for those on lower incomes who we know are most feeling the squeeze – while allowing the railway to innovate and adapt to new travel patterns. It also means we can offer our people more varied, rewarding careers.

In response to the offer, the RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “The national executive committee will be considering this matter and has made no decision on the proposals nor any of the elements within them.” The union’s executive body is expected to meet early next week to discuss the offer.

Last month, the RMT rejected a two-year 8% deal, accusing the government of inserting clauses demanding more driver-only operation of trains.

Rail walkouts by train drivers are scheduled for Feb. 1 and 3.