RMT has rejected a new pay offer made by a group representing train companies across the country after it said the proposal did not meet its criteria.
The Rail Delivery Group (DRG) said it would allow for a 4% pay rise this year and another 4% next year.
The group also proposed changes such as the closing of ticket booths, Sunday working where it is not already in place, the use of part-time contracts, and the introduction of driver-operated train doors to 'fund' this pay rise.
Despite the rejection, talks are expected to continue with strike action at 14 train firms set to begin in eight days.
Recently, Network Rail made its "best and final" offer to RMT members with a pay rise of 9% over the next two years as well as no compulsory redundancies.
🚨🚨🚨 BREAKING | RMT rejects Rail Delivery Group offer:@RMTunion today rejected the @RailDeliveryGrp (RDG) offer and demanded a meeting tomorrow morning to resolve the dispute.#RailStrikes #SupportRailWorkers
— RMT (@RMTunion) December 4, 2022
In a statement, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "We have rejected this offer as it does not meet any of our criteria for securing a settlement on long-term job security, a decent pay rise, and protecting working conditions. Â
"The RDG and DfT who sets their mandate, both knew this offer would not be acceptable to RMT members.Â
"If this plan was implemented, it would not only mean the loss of thousands of jobs but the use of unsafe practices such as DOO and would leave our railways chronically understaffed.Â
"RMT is demanding an urgent meeting with the RDG tomorrow morning with a view to securing a negotiated settlement on job security, working conditions and pay."Â
READ MORE:Â All the strikes taking place in December 2022: Royal Mail, Rail, NHS
READ MORE:Â Rail Strike Dates December 2022: When are they taking place?
Why are RMT strikes taking place?
Strikes are taking place because of a dispute over pay, job security, and working conditions.
This comes amid the cost of living crisis impacting households across the UK.
RMT is aiming for a halt to plans for compulsory redundancies, a pay rise amid soaring inflation, and safe working conditions.
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When are the rail strikes taking place in December 2022?
The December strikes will take place on:
- Thursday, December 13
- Wednesday, December 14
- Friday, December 16
- Saturday, December 17
There will also be further strikes next year on January 3, 4, 6, and 7.
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