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RMT union announces November rail strike dates RMT union announces November rail strike dates
(32 minutes later)
More rail strikes over pay and conditions will take place on 3, 5, and 7 November, the RMT union has announced.More rail strikes over pay and conditions will take place on 3, 5, and 7 November, the RMT union has announced.
However, it is only the strike on the 3 November that will be as disruptive as previous strikes, the BBC understands. It threatens a week's worth of disruption similar to previous strikes, the BBC understands.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch accused Network Rail of "dishonesty" in negotiations.RMT general secretary Mick Lynch accused Network Rail of "dishonesty" in negotiations.
Network Rail said it had a two year, 8% pay increase deal "on the table ready to be put to our staff".Network Rail said it had a two year, 8% pay increase deal "on the table ready to be put to our staff".
In separate disputes, RMT rail workers at London Underground and London Overground will strike on 3 November.In separate disputes, RMT rail workers at London Underground and London Overground will strike on 3 November.
Ongoing disputesOngoing disputes
There have been a series of rail strikes in the UK over the past months as unions have clashed with Network Rail, train firms and the government over pay and conditions.There have been a series of rail strikes in the UK over the past months as unions have clashed with Network Rail, train firms and the government over pay and conditions.
For the latest strikes, the union said that Network Rail had "reneged" on an earlier pay offer and "sought to impose job cuts, more unsocial hours and detrimental changes to rosters".For the latest strikes, the union said that Network Rail had "reneged" on an earlier pay offer and "sought to impose job cuts, more unsocial hours and detrimental changes to rosters".
However, Network Rail chief negotiator Tim Shoveller said a pay offer was on the table with "a new extended job guarantee to January 2025". The RMT has accused Network Rail of performing a "U-turn" on its pay offer: 4% this year followed by 4% next year, plus benefits like heavily discounted travel for employees and their families.
"Unfortunately, the leadership of the RMT seem intent on more damaging strikes rather than giving their members a vote on our offer," he said. Network Rail disputes this, and says it actually made an improved offer by extending the guarantee of no compulsory redundancies by a further year to January 2025.
"Unfortunately, the leadership of the RMT seem intent on more damaging strikes rather than giving their members a vote on our offer," Network Rail chief negotiator Tim Shoveller said.
He added that the rail sector had a £2bn hole in its budget "with many fewer passengers using our services".He added that the rail sector had a £2bn hole in its budget "with many fewer passengers using our services".
On 3 November, it's likely there will be about as much disruption as previous national train strikes.
This time, RMT members at 15 train companies won't be joining staff at Network Rail in staying away from work.
But because Network Rail's signal workers will be involved, still only 20% of Britain's usual services are likely to run.
There will also be extensive disruption to public transport in London, with both the Underground and Overground hit by strike action.
On 5 and 7 November, it's unlikely train services will be affected at all.
That's because maintenance staff only will be involved on those days.
Appearing before MPs last week, Network Rail's chief negotiator expressed optimism that negotiations may be starting to make progress.
However, this evening the RMT has made it very clear it does not share that view - on the same day it has begun balloting members for fresh strike action which could last into next spring.
It seems passengers can expect more disruption coming down the tracks.