Rail union’s strike threat on reforms

The Rail Maritime and Transport union said workers will have to work longer, have their pay cut and suffer job losses if the McNulty report is enacted.

Ticket offices would also close or have fewer staff and pensions would be more expensive, said the RMT, which will raise its concerns at this week’s TUC Congress in London.

A statement by the union said: “Any attempts to attack the jobs, pay, conditions and safety of our members or free collective bargaining in the industry will be met by a ballot for industrial action.”

The union also vowed to work with other unions, passenger groups, politicians and local communities to build a campaign of national resistance.

General Secretary Bob Crow said: “Everyone has a stake in this campaign and, if the Government decide to push on with the plans, we are making it clear that every worker will be balloted for action right across the rail industry.”