The RMT has declared a dispute with Network Rail over pay and is calling for talks.

Network Rail, whose chief executive Andrew Haines retires from the company today, said it is ‘disappointed’.

The RMT has calculated that cumulative RPI inflation has risen by around 27 per cent since 2021, while Network Rail has increased its workers’ pay by 17 per cent, leaving them short of between  between £3,500 and £9,600 in real terms. The staff, meanwhile, have become more productive according to the union, which says 108 per cent of the work planned in the first year iof Control Period 7 was carried out.

The union is also criticising expenditure of £168 million on agency labour last year, which includes an estimated £34 million ‘lost to agency margins’. while third party contractors are making around £200 million a year.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘Our members have enhanced the value of the railways, kept it running safely day and night, and achieved rising levels of productivity. However, the value of their pay packets has fallen behind the cost of living and they want that addressed.

‘Network Rail management need to make an offer that reflects the hard work, professionalism and productivity of staff across maintenance and operations. The money is there but is instead being wasted on outsourcing, agency costs and the inefficiencies created by years of privatisation.

‘If we want to rebuild rail, make GBR a success and revive Britain, we must start by valuing the people who make the railway run.’

Network Rail said: ‘We are surprised and disappointed by the RMT’s decision to declare a dispute before pay talks have even started.

‘The anniversary date for the next pay review is not until 1 January, and we already have meetings scheduled for November with all three unions to discuss their proposals.

’We remain committed to constructive dialogue and are always willing to talk to our trade union colleagues.’

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