25/05/2004
RMT and Network Rail agree to 'preliminary talks'
Preliminary talks aimed at resolving a dispute between the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union and Network Rail are set to take place on Friday.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that if these preliminary talks proved successful, in-depth negotiations would be able to commence next week. Mr Crow said that the union was ready to enter into "serious negotiations" at any time.
The RMT is seeking action over what it views as the imposition of an inferior pension scheme, and Network Rail's refusal to talk about two-tier conditions or to enter into further discussions over pay.
On May 20, RMT members voted in favour of industrial action with 2,947 members (58%) pro-industrial action, and 2,246 (42%) against – the turn out for the vote was 68%.
Network Rail expressed its "disappointment" at the vote, and said that any potential strike would be "deeply damaging to both passengers and the country as a whole".
The company also said that the size of the RMT vote was far from representative of the majority of Network Rail staff.
Network Rail said that it would endeavour to run as many train services as possible during any strike, although plans cannot be finalised or released until closer to the day of any potential strike action in order to gauge the numbers of key staff available.
(gmcg)
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that if these preliminary talks proved successful, in-depth negotiations would be able to commence next week. Mr Crow said that the union was ready to enter into "serious negotiations" at any time.
The RMT is seeking action over what it views as the imposition of an inferior pension scheme, and Network Rail's refusal to talk about two-tier conditions or to enter into further discussions over pay.
On May 20, RMT members voted in favour of industrial action with 2,947 members (58%) pro-industrial action, and 2,246 (42%) against – the turn out for the vote was 68%.
Network Rail expressed its "disappointment" at the vote, and said that any potential strike would be "deeply damaging to both passengers and the country as a whole".
The company also said that the size of the RMT vote was far from representative of the majority of Network Rail staff.
Network Rail said that it would endeavour to run as many train services as possible during any strike, although plans cannot be finalised or released until closer to the day of any potential strike action in order to gauge the numbers of key staff available.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
23 June 2004
Network Rail in High Court bid to halt strike
Network Rail has applied to the High Court for an injunction against strike action by rail workers proceeding next week. The Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union is to hold a 24-hour strike on Tuesday June 29 and Wednesday June 30, over a failure to reach agreement on pensions.
Network Rail in High Court bid to halt strike
Network Rail has applied to the High Court for an injunction against strike action by rail workers proceeding next week. The Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union is to hold a 24-hour strike on Tuesday June 29 and Wednesday June 30, over a failure to reach agreement on pensions.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
20 May 2004
Network Rail staff vote for strike action
Members of the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail have today voted to take industrial action. The move is in response to members' concerns over pensions, two-tier travel concessions and pay.
Network Rail staff vote for strike action
Members of the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail have today voted to take industrial action. The move is in response to members' concerns over pensions, two-tier travel concessions and pay.