‘Selfish’ unions warn rail strikes could last MONTHS as more walkouts loom in just days after summer of travel hell
A UNION boss today warned rail strikes could last MONTHS as more walkouts loom in the coming days.
Mick Lynch, of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), said more chaos is “likely” if the Government doesn’t give workers what they want.
The RMT confirmed 40,000 of its rail workers will strike across 14 train operators next week amid a furious row over jobs, pay and working conditions.
It comes just weeks after they left millions stranded at home in a week of walkouts which caused commuter mayhem.
And the union’s Secretary-General, Mick Lynch, today warned the chaos could continue if bosses fail to reach an agreement with the Government.
Asked if Brits should expect “months more strikes and disruption,” Mr Lynch, said: “That is likely to happen, because we’re not able to bridge the gap.
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“But the gov may subtly change their position – they’ve done a lot of u turns in the last period on a number of issues.
“So it’s up to them – they can subtly change it or they come to the table and make an announcement. I’m not bothered.”
But he added: “I want to work with the industry leaders to get a settlement to this dispute.
“We’ll do that in a common sense way that everyone can support.
“But we are not just going to surrender meekly give in to something that is impossible for us to accept.”
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Network Rail said the RMT had walked away from a two-year, eight per cent pay deal with no compulsory redundancy guarantee.
And earlier today rail union Aslef was branded “selfish” for going ahead with a strike during the Commonwealth Games.
But Aslef boss Mick Whelan insisted “no one is coming to the table to find a solution”.
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It comes after a critical incident – unrelated to the strikes – was declared at Dover this weekend, with drivers describing waits of up to “30 hours” for ferries in chaotic scenes.
Ministers are planning to push ahead with minimum service legislation which will ensure the public who rely on the railways are not cut off from work and vital appointments.