Tariffs: a major strike on British railways is imminent

The economy is preparing for a possible major strike on the British railways with emergency plans. The background is a dispute over pay, layoffs and security concerns.

It is feared that a walkout could have serious consequences for the transport of goods and the supply of food and fuel.

Until Tuesday, the RMT union was interviewing a total of 40,000 employees at National Rail, which is responsible for the entire rail infrastructure, and at 15 rail providers. A result is expected on Wednesday, the strike could come as early as June. Unions are threatening a “summer of dissatisfaction” if wages are not increased.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is planning an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak next week, the Times newspaper reported on Saturday. It is possible that freight trains were given priority.

Prepare for emergencies

The employers’ association Rail Delivery Group emphasized that the companies are already heavily burdened by the consequences of the pandemic. “Nobody wins if rail traffic is disrupted,” emphasized the association. “The leadership of the RMT should put an end to this pernicious uncertainty.” However, the industry is preparing for emergencies and will try to maintain the movement of goods and passengers.

RMT boss Mick Lynch defended the approach. “Rail workers have had to deal with pay freezes, the prospect of job losses and repeated attacks on their working conditions,” said the Secretary-General of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT). He pointed to skyrocketing energy and food costs. In addition, the loss of 2,500 safety-critical jobs at Network Rail represents a significant risk and makes accidents more likely.