Media centre

Wednesday 13 Jul 2022

Latest public polling shows support for modernisation reforms

Region & Route:

National

A new Yonder poll of over 2,000 UK adults looking at opinions on the recent rail strikes, pay and modernisation of the railway show huge support for reforms in the rail industry, and a massive vote of dissatisfaction with the RMT’s approach to negotiations.

Some of the key findings of the poll show:

• 72% believe it is reasonable to adapt and modernise in exchange for pay increases
• 12% think pay increases should be funded by increasing taxpayer support, while 8% think it should be funded by increasing passenger fares
• 78% believe that strike action should only be used as a last resort during an industrial dispute
• 65% agree that modernising the railway and helping it run more efficiently is the only way to cut the cost of rail fares in the long term
• Just 12% of people believe railway workers should get a pay rise greater than other frontline workers such as teachers and nurses

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s lead negotiator said: “We want to give our people a decent pay rise but can only afford to do so through modernisation that will deliver savings that we can then pass on. The general public can see this is a reasonable approach.

“We continue to do everything we can to avoid further disruption for our passengers, and urge our unions to work with us at the negotiating table to agree a deal that is fair for workers, passengers and taxpayers.”

Notes to editors:

• The poll of 2,031 UK adults was conducted online between 1-3 July.