Workers at Britain’s network rail operator on Monday voted overwhelmingly in favor of accepting a wage deal to end a long strike, the RMT union reported.
The government described the agreement, which was supported by 76% of RMT members, as “good news”, after several strikes caused serious inconvenience to millions of commuters since last year.
According to the Department of Transportation, personnel, including signaling and maintenance, will receive a 5% raise plus an additional 4% over two years.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch explained that the agreement would amount to an increase of 14.4% for workers who earn the lowest, and 9.2% for the best paid.
It also increases late payments, including a mandatory no-resignation agreement until January 2025, and rail travel concessions.
British Transport Secretary Mark Harper urged the union to make a “very similar” offer to its other members who work for the 14 private companies that operate the railways.
Rail workers were the first to strike in the UK’s public and private sectors last year to protest sub-inflationary wage increases as the cost of living soared.
Next week, two more days of strike are planned for RMT members working for railway companies.
“The ball is in the government’s court,” said Lynch, who is expected to offer a new deal.
Public health workers’ unions last week accepted a 5% salary increase after government negotiations.
Its members, who include nurses, paramedics, emergency communications personnel, Dola and others, are expected to vote on the package and cancel the planned strikes so far.
phz-acc / mb / rpr / mvv
