Rail workers in the UK have voted to give the RMT union a new “mandate” to hold further strikes over the next six months.
Members of the RMT union have already walked out for eight days this year in an ongoing dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions with Network Rail and 14 train operating companies.
The union said it had achieved a “stunning mandate for more strike action on the railways”, after 91.7 per cent voted in favour of being able to take industrial action over the next few months. The turnout for the poll was 70.2 per cent of eligible members.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the vote was “a massive endorsement” of the union’s strategy which involved “negotiation where possible and industrial action if necessary”.
The union had been due to hold three 24-hour strikes earlier this month but they were called off at the last minute to allow the RMT to enter “a period of intensive negotiations” with train companies.
Unfortunately for travellers, the suspension of these strikes came too late to stop further major disruption to journeys as severely reduced timetables were already in place.
Now train users face the prospect of further national rail strikes unless the RMT can finally reach a settlement with Network Rail and the train operators. Although no further strikes have been announced yet.
Lynch added: “The National Executive Committee will now look at these fantastic results and negotiations will continue with Network Rail and the train operating companies.
“This union is determined to continue with this campaign until the employers understand that they need to respond to our members' aspirations on job security, pay and working conditions.”
Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train operators, said passengers would be “dismayed” by the latest vote to continue holding strikes.
“We recognise the strength of feeling among our people and call on the RMT leadership to continue to work with us to agree the vital reforms necessary to both afford a fair pay deal and secure a sustainable future for the railway,” he added.
"Further counterproductive strike action would only heap more misery on our customers and struggling businesses in the run-up to Christmas and continue to undermine the viability of an industry we all want to see thrive.”