Do you support the RMT?

[Phil1]

Why would you exclude cleaning staff?

Tories don’t care about those at the bottom.

 

[fulabeer]

And the basic point still holds - average salary of an RMT rail worker is reportedly 44k once you exclude cleaning staff, 33k overall according to the government’s data. Last time I looked 44k was well above the uk average.

If you want to quote figures at least be balanced.
There are very few employees on 44k as a basic salary.
The majority of rail workers earn a higher salary by working excessive hours (overtime), shift and weekend work.
Each year they are told there is no money in the pot for wages rises. Then Covid, then the war in the Ukraine.
The "Grin and bare" it approach to wage rises can only last so long.

Eventually, people just "cannot afford to work".
Sounds a strange phrase. But what it means is that your bills overtake your income.
I know several rail workers who have worn out cars and leaking roofs, because their income simply didn't keep up with inflation.
Because they bought their homes, they get no help when it needs maintenance.
Now mortgages have risen, they are in trouble.

Striking actually lowers their monthly income.
So make no mistake that most are only striking as a last resort.
It's not greed, it's survival for many.

 

[Zubrman]

Quite right, yes, although I suppose it’s just pure coincidence that ASLEF chose to strike on the same day as the RMT.

And the basic point still holds - average salary of an RMT rail worker is reportedly 44k once you exclude cleaning staff, 33k overall according to the government’s data. Last time I looked 44k was well above the uk average.

ASLEF have not struck on any of the RMT dates. Our dates were separate. Still not getting facts right.

 

[Stephen230]

Quite right, yes, although I suppose it’s just pure coincidence that ASLEF chose to strike on the same day as the RMT.

And the basic point still holds - average salary of an RMT rail worker is reportedly 44k once you exclude cleaning staff, 33k overall according to the government’s data. Last time I looked 44k was well above the uk average.

The companies have no record of who is and who isn’t a member of which, if any union. So any figures they or by extension the government say is the average for an RMT worker is a number plucked out of the air. And then probably doubled. The mean average will probably not tell a true tale because of a very small percentage on top wages. There are even some senior management who have kept their RMT membership going since they were rank and file. I’d take a rough but honest guess that the mode average of an RMT member on the railways is mid 20,000s.

 

[BayernMan]

What is the public support like for unions striking in the UK? Unfortunately outside of this place, many parts of social media doesn’t paint them in a good light….

 

[Brewster's millions]

ASLEF have not struck on any of the RMT dates. Our dates were separate. Still not getting facts right.

Both ASLEF and the RMT were due to strike on 15 September. Could be a coincidence that they both intended to strike on the same day. Maybe not.

 

[Stephen230]

What is the public support like for unions striking in the UK? Unfortunately outside of this place, many parts of social media doesn’t paint them in a good light….

Most recent poll I can find.

 

[Brewster's millions]

Tories don’t care about those at the bottom.

The whole argument is about protecting those at the bottom, rather than just those who work in a heavily unionised sector.

 

[blue aura]

I get the impression that the RMT referendum regarding the Network Rail offer is going to be tight. My colleagues (signallers) that I've spoken to have voted to accept the offer, or are undecided.

 

[ganganvince]

I get the impression that the RMT referendum regarding the Network Rail offer is going to be tight. My colleagues (signallers) that I've spoken to have voted to accept the offer, or are undecided.

Mate of mine works in a signal box not happy but resigned to accepting