The UK government and rail industry leaders have warned of “disastrous” consequences after unionised railway workers voted overwhelmingly to strike, threatening massive disruption to the network in the coming weeks.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) backed launching a campaign of industrial action over jobs, pay, and conditions. Among the over 40,000 RMT members balloted, 71 percent took part in the vote with 89 percent voting in favour of strike action and 11 percent voting against.
The union has previously claimed that a yes vote would lead to “the biggest rail strike in modern history.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said on Tuesday, when the ballot closed, “Today’s overwhelming endorsement by railway workers is a vindication of the union’s approach and sends a clear message that members want a decent pay rise, job security, and no compulsory redundancies.”…