THE public think union bosses’ double-digit pay demands for striking rail workers should be rejected, a poll has found.
Fifty-two per cent say a double-digit rise is “unreasonable” while 57 per cent believe the Rail, Maritime and Transport union appeal is “unaffordable”.
1
Barons are calling for an 11 per cent pay hike on their workers’ £54,000 average salary which would prevent workers getting a pay cut as inflation soars.
The RMT confirmed yesterday that strikes will take place nationwide on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday affecting Network Rail and 13 train operators. London Underground will also be severely disrupted or not running on Tuesday.
Nearly half of those quizzed, some 49 per cent, said now was not the right time to strike with 24 per cent saying it was an appropriate time to take action, the YouGov poll found.
The poll for the Rail Delivery Group found that only one in four backed the industrial action but 39 per cent didn’t want it.
Almost half supported a reduction in the government subsidies for the network and changes to working conditions requiring Sunday working to be part of the weekly rota.
Steve Montgomery, Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Instead of striking, we need the RMT leadership to work with us to secure a deal that is fair to our staff, fair to our passengers and fair to taxpayers.”
Meanwhile, Grant Shapps blasted the unions last night for “punishing millions of innocent people” ahead of this week’s rail strikes.
The Transport Secretary said the RMT had been called on to abandon the “damaging” industrial action and seek a deal.
The Cabinet Minister said the country was now on the “cusp of major disruption” which is set to cause misery for millions next week.
Most read in The Sun
He said: “Many people who do not get paid if they can’t get to work face losing money at a time they simply can’t afford to.”
Disruption will be felt for students taking thirty-eight exams and assessments with T-Level tests also taking place this week.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
