Train operating companies (TOCs) and the RMT union have reached a possible resolution of their long-running dispute, which appears to involve the TOCs backing down on an insistence that any pay rise should be contingent on changes to working practices.
The union’s members have been striking for more than a year, with the TOCs offering below-inflation pay increases for 2022 and 2023.
Earlier this year, the RMT settled a similar dispute with Network Rail after the infrastructure operator improved what transport secretary Mark Harper had described as a 'best and final’ offer and changed its position on changes to working practices.
An RMT picket last year
Both ministers and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents TOCs, have continued to insist that changes to working practices are needed to help fund any pay increase for TOC employees.
Last November Mr Harper told the BBC: ‘It is the reforms that free up the savings that then unlock the ability for the companies to make an offer to the trade unions on pay. Both of those things have to happen in parallel.’
However, last month the RMT secured a fresh six-month mandate for strike action after balloting its members.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the RDG said: ‘Following further negotiations between RDG and RMT, 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.
‘This will now be put to RMT members in each of the train operating companies in a referendum vote. If accepted, this MOU will terminate the national dispute mandate, creating a pause and respite from industrial action over the Christmas period and into spring next year, while allowing for these important negotiations on proposed reforms to take place at local train operating company level, through the established collective bargaining structures.
‘These discussions would be aimed at addressing the companies' proposals on the changing needs and expectations of passengers as well as unlocking further increases for staff, in order to help to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the railway and all those who work on it.’
The RMT released a similar statement. Its 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.’
