The company that owns and manages Britain’s vast rail network has taken a tough stance on staff involved in major strike action over the past year: They will not be paid their annual bonuses.
Network Rail move further stokes employee anger this Financial Timesas up to 20,000 employees could be affected by the decision.
It follows a protracted dispute over wages between Network Rail and the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers’ union (RMT).disagreement, leading to Britain’s biggest train strike in decadesends March, RMT accepts 9% salary increase offer from the company.
However, Network Rail may now face further friction with rail unions after withholding bonuses. the group reported loss after tax The company posted a loss of 1.1 billion pounds ($1.38 billion) for the year to March 2023, with freight and rail underperforming as strikes hit corporate returns.
RMT chairman Mick Lynch said on Tuesday that Network Rail’s decision “is disgraceful and has understandably caused great consternation among (union) members.”
“It is clear that Network Rail has taken a position that both punishes and discriminates against members exercising their human rights to associate and engage in legitimate trade union activity,” he said in an emailed statement.
“Since the bonus program is discretionary and not a contractual obligation, the decision to exclude RMT members was made in bad faith and is a clear attempt to divide the workforce and undermine the union by specifically rewarding those who refuse to unite. Union members take necessary strikes action.”
Bonuses paid to staff are reportedly expected to be £300 ($378), reflecting the company’s current financial situation. Network Rail has paid out bonuses worth around £1,000 ($1,261) in previous years, according to Network Rail. Financial Times.
network rail told wealth The company had previously warned employees on Tuesday that they would not receive bonuses if they participated in the strike.
A Network Rail spokesman said in a statement: “We have made clear to unions and employees that the cost of strike action will directly impact the PRP (performance-related pay) scheme.”
“Our position is very clear – any discretionary payments will focus on those who continue to support rail services during the strike.”
The group declined to comment on whether it would consider similar measures if the strike continued into the current financial year.
Industrial strikes and the problem of inflation
The rail strikes began last year as calls for wage increases grew as inflation battered the UK economy. cost of living crisis hurt people’s spending power.Workers in other industries, such as healthcare and warehousing, also sound the alarm Questions about how wages can’t keep up with soaring costs.
In February, the UK government found that nationwide strikes had resulted in loss of life. 2.47 million working days For the six months ending December 2022. Strikes affecting railroads have been linked to a drop in consumer spending as fewer people are able to go to work and buy coffee or breakfast.
Railways help connect Britain’s vast suburbs to urban centers and are the lifeblood of the UK National economy.
Although RMT and Network Rail have agreed wage hikes, unions still arguing Work with Rail Transport Group (the industry body representing train operating companies) on working conditions, pay and job security issues.Railway workers continue to strike until early September, fighting for “just work around” Lynch said in a statement earlier this month that it is working with RDG.
Some strikes over proposed closure of train station Ticketing Still a work in progress, the union believes removing the content could affect vulnerable and disabled passengers.
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