NETWORK RAIL STATEMENT ON 2004 UNION PAY NEGOTIATIONS

Wednesday 7 Apr 2004

NETWORK RAIL STATEMENT ON 2004 UNION PAY NEGOTIATIONS

Region & Route:: National

Network Rail has been in talks with its three unions over the past few weeks and had its third meeting with the RMT, TSSA and AEEU / Amicus yesterday to put forward an increased offer based around three different options for the unions to consider. These three options are based around a one, two or a three year pay deal. The two year deal offers a 3.5% increase in basic pay in year one with a guaranteed RPI + 0.75% in year two. There are also increases in various other allowances, some of up to 10%. The three year deal option offers a 35 hour working week – a long held aspiration of the unions. The meeting yesterday was completely amicable and all unions said they would take away the offer and consider the various options among their committees and members. John Armitt, Chief Executive said: We find the strike threat from the RMT nothing short of astonishing as we are in the middle of constructive pay negotiations. There has been no ‘breakdown of talks’ as they have claimed! “A variety of good deals are on the table for our unions to consider. They all exceed inflation and include guarantees around pensions. We will continue our open-door policy with the unions and look forward to continuing constructive talks in the future.”

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