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Tuesday 18 May 2004

PUBLIC OPPOSE RMT RAIL STRIKE PLAN - 85% SAY RMT PUTS OWN INTERESTS BEFORE PASSENGERS

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National

Polling data published today by Network Rail shows overwhelming public opposition to the rail strike threatened by the RMT Union. The survey is published the day after polls closed on the RMT strike ballot.  The union has indicated it will publish the results on Thursday. The main poll findings are: ·        81% say that a national railway strike would damage British jobs and businesses ·        75% say a strike is unjustified – only 14% support it ·        85% say that the RMT union its putting its own interests before the needs of passengers A Network Rail spokesman said: “These findings will make devastating reading for the RMT union.  Less than a day after the ballot closed and already the public are overwhelming in opposition to their plans.  85% say that RMT puts its own interests before those of passengers.  Less than one in seven thinks that a strike would be justified. “A strike would be deeply damaging to everyone – passengers, businesses and our employees.  With punctuality now at a four year high, the public clearly do not understand why a strike is justified at this time.  RMT should listen to what the public are saying, abandon this strike plan and look again at the three inflation-busting pay offers on the table.” - more - Poll - 2 Notes to Editors 1.                  Full survey results ‘A national railway strike would damage British jobs and businesses.’ Agree strongly                          37% Tend to agree                           44% Tend to disagree                       11% Disagree strongly                      2% Don’t know                              5% ‘The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) would be justified in calling a national rail strike even though it has rejected a 3.5% pay offer.’ Agree strongly                          3% Tend to agree                           11% Tend to disagree                       39% Disagree strongly                      36% Don’t know                              11% ‘By threatening a national rail strike the RMT union is putting its own interests before the needs of passengers.’ Agree strongly                          44% Tend to agree                           41% Tend to disagree                       9% Disagree strongly                      3% Don’t know                              3% Data from YouGov survey of 1,995 persons.  Fieldwork carried out 11-13 May 2004. 2. The ballot: The RMT ballot closed on Monday 17 May (first post).  The result is expected to be announced on Thursday 20 May. 3. The offers:              One year deal:                        Yr 1 = 3.0%                 (original offer was 2.8%)                                     Two year deal:                        Yr 1 = 3.5%                 (original offer was 3.0%)                                                 Yr 2 = RPI +0.75%      (original offer RPI+0.5%)                                     Three year deal:         Yr 1 = 3.2%                 (not originally offered)                                                                         Yr 2 = RPI                                                                         Yr 3 = RPI + 35 hr week ·            In the last four years, signallers have had increases of 10% in 2000, 12% in ’01, 11% in ’02 and 4% in ’03 AND a decrease in the number of hours worked per week ·            Since 1994 the basic pay of signallers has risen by 72% (RPI ave 2.6% per annum) ·            Signallers average earnings are now = £32,500 ·            RMT have already accepted pay offers from Silverlink at 2.8%, Alstom at 3%, South Eastern Trains at 3.3%, Balfour Beatty at 3%, AMEC Spie at 3% and Bombardier at 3%. For media enquiries please contact the Network Rail press office on 020 7557 8292 / 3