According to surveys, only one in ten adults thinks rail workers deserve pay rises higher than those of other frontline public sector workers
- Out of 2,000 adults, 12 percent believe rail workers should get a bigger raise
- 72 percent of adults think it makes sense to modernize the railways
- A fifth of train drivers earn £70,000 and the average last year was £59,189
- RMT chief Mick Lynch said yesterday the public is “right behind us”.
Less than one in ten adults believes rail workers deserve higher wage increases than other frontline public sector workers, according to a survey.
The results refute claims by union barons that the public supports their strikes, and last night the government accused them of “cynicism”.
The poll of 2,000 adults found just 12 percent believe rail staff should get a bigger pay rise than NHS worker or teacher.
The former received a 3 percent increase last year and are expected to offer 3 to 4 percent this year. But the militant RMT union this week turned down a pay rise offer from the state-owned company network rail of 8 percent this year and next.
RMT chief Mick Lynch said yesterday the public is “right behind us”.
Including cash bonuses, the package is worth 13 percent over the two years for the lowest paid workers and 10 percent for those with higher salaries.
The poll by consulting firm Yonder found that 72 percent of adults think it makes sense to modernize railroads in return for wage increases – something unions oppose.
The poll of 2,000 adults found just 12 per cent believe rail staff should get a bigger pay rise than NHS staff or teachers
But despite the results, RMT boss Mick Lynch said yesterday the public is “right behind us”.
Figures show that a fifth of train and tram drivers earn £70,000 or more. Their average over the past year was £59,189, compared to the UK median of £26,000. It’s also far more than the average £17,000 for carers, £31,000 for nurses and £37,000 for teachers.
A Government source said: “The stunning cynicism of Mick Lynch and his far-right lieutenants is clear. Network Rail has made a good salary offer and job security assurances and it is still going on with its strikes.’
Aslef, the train drivers’ union, this week announced strikes on lines operated by eight rail companies on July 30. Greater Anglia drivers will also be on strike on July 23rd and Hull Trains will be on strike today and July 23rd.
The RMT announced three 24-hour strikes by employees of Network Rail and 14 rail companies on July 27 and August 18 and 20.
