Mr Lynch said: “At the time of the Network Rail payment transaction, which was due in December, it was 7.1% of the retail price index. That’s what the cost of living would be at the time these deals had to be made, so we’ll negotiate to see if we can make a deal that reflects that cost of living. “
Mr Lynch also said the railway industry was trying to extend the 35-hour week for new workers – leading to lower pay deals – and that his union wanted assurances that there would be no mandatory cuts in the future. abbreviations.
An RMT source said it was “not entirely clear” that the union was pushing for an increase in wages in line with inflation, and suggested other incentives might come in. But RMT is adamant that it needs job security guarantees before it can make any deal, including modernization agreements.
“If our members don’t have jobs, modernization means absolutely nothing,” the source said.
Modernization is needed
Network Rail, which has taken the lead in negotiations with background train operators, said the savings could only be made by reaching an agreement to modernize union practices.
This includes reducing rail checks and using automated cameras instead to detect rail cracks and other safety issues. Network Rail believes that hundreds of millions of pounds can be saved, which could be passed on to employees in salary increases more generous than the basic two percent currently on the table.
The RMT does not have the full support of other railway unions, which are also threatening to go on strike, but appear to be more negotiable.
A union source said: “It is appropriate for the RMT to run the barricades and wage a little class war and talk about a general strike. Like John Lewis, RMT never consciously underestimates anything. On the other side of the argument is Grant Shaps [the Transport secretary] to claim that all unions are against us.
“But not all railway unions will fall into the bear trap set by the government. We are not trying to overthrow the government. “
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