British rail operator Network Rail has made a new offer to RMT, the largest rail union, in a bid to break a deadlock over a longstanding dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.
Network Rail, which is responsible for track, signaling and other rail infrastructure in England, Scotland and Wales, said it has added some new proposals to a revised proposal for the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).
The union, which represents signalmen, maintenance staff and other Network Rail workers, said its management would look into the details of the proposal.
“Now we will be consulting with members at regional and industry meetings. An update on our next steps will be posted in due course.”the union said.
Tim Schoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, said in a message to employees that the company will continue to implement the maintenance upgrade plan. “We want to introduce a standard 35-hour work week for everyone. We are now committed to working with the unions to review contracts that exceed 35 hours a week so that we can agree on a way forward, – he said. — We will introduce an improved seniority bonus system for general grades that will be dated 2022. We will improve nursing licensing. If you are a registered guardian, you may convert five days of paid voluntary leave to five days of paid parental leave.”.
Network Rail said updated elements of the proposal include an increase in London allowances for those joining or switching to other contracts.
He said he was proposing a minimum increase of £1,750 in the consolidated rate or an increase of 5% (whichever is greater) up to a maximum of £3,500 in the annual basic salary rate dated 1 January 2022 and an increase of 4% annual rate of basic wages effective as of January 2023.
That equates to an increase from 9.2% to 14.4% in two years, Network Rail said, with wages rising the most for those on the lowest wages.
It also included a commitment to no layoffs until January 2025, a 75% discount on vacation travel for employees and their families, a 75% reduction in the price of employee memberships, and the ability to sell 10 vacation days if rescheduled from 2022. .
Trainees will see a “significant increase” in their wages from April 2022, Network Rail added.
In recent months, RMT has carried out a series of strikes over a dispute with Network Rail that is different from the one it has with the train operators.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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