Breakthrough In Rail Dispute As TSSA Members Accept Offer

TSSA members have voted to accept a national framework pay offer of at least 9% over two years, that brings an end to the dispute with that union and it's members.

The agreement will see general and management grades entitled to backdated pay rise of 5% for 2022 and 4% rise for 2023, with those on the lowest paid rates receiving a minimum of £1,750 or an increase of 13% in 2022/23 pay packets.

There are however some agreements that have been accepted to changes in their work places, which will support the funding of the rises, and they include training and support to become multi-skilled station staff, taking on more responsibilities as necessary, but also new part-time and flexible work patterns and rosters to help fit around other commitments. This also includes accepting the Sunday working practice to meeting the demand for weekend travel.

The breakthrough comes after the RMT executive rejected an equivalent offer last month, and not putting this to their members. Their terms are still to be met and agreement reached.

Steve Montgomery, Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “This is a positive breakthrough which shows these disputes can be resolved when members are given an opportunity to have their say in a democratic vote. TSSA members have sent a clear message that they welcome this fair offer, which means that those on the lowest pay are now eligible for a rise of over 13%, with all grades receiving at least a 9% rise in their 2022/23 pay packets.

“We hope that the RMT leadership will take this opportunity to reconsider their rejection of our equivalent offer, call off their unnecessary and disruptive strikes and allow their members a referendum on their own deal.”

There are currently 3,000 TSSA members who work for the train companies in various roles, some do work alongside their RMT colleagues, who still await a pay agreement. The industrial action has already cost the industry £480m in lost ticket revenue since June 2022, on top of the issues of post-Covid 19 losses of £2bn. Taxpayers are continuing to support the railways services by between £125m and £175m a month, which the changes to working practices will aid the railway service recovery since the pandemic.