Merseyrail hands staff 7.1% pay increase ahead of next strike

Some rail employees have been handed a pay rise to help ease the pressure on the planned rail strikes for the rest of this week.

Workers in Liverpool have been given a 7.1% pay increase ahead of the second strike which was set to take place today (23 June).

Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) members reportedly accepted the pay rise from Merseyrail yesterday, stated the Independent, as separate discussions between RMT leaders and rail bosses failed.

Reflecting on the move, Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA, described it as a “sensible outcome to a reasonable offer” adding that Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, should “wise up” and enter into further negotiations with unions as the strikes look set to continue today and on 25 June.

“Well done to our members and to our union staff for clinching this deal at Merseyrail. It is a sensible outcome to a reasonable offer which goes a long way towards keeping pace with the escalating cost of living,” he added.

“What we have seen in our negotiations with Merseyrail is a company which knows the value of our rail and transport network, both to the public and the workers.

“What this clearly shows is our union, and sister unions, are in no way a block on finding the solutions needed to avoid a summer of discontent on the railways. Rather, it is the government who are intent on digging in their heels.”

Why are rail workers striking?

Various workers are choosing to strike this week due to concerns over job cuts, conditions, pay and pensions.

Union bosses have blamed the government for cuts and below-inflation wage offers, however the BBC reported that ministers believe the railways need reform and large pay increases would therefore force inflation to rise even higher.

This week it was revealed that inflation has risen to its highest level in 40 years, climbing to 9.1%, as fuel, food and gas prices continue to increase.  

The Office for National Statistics announced that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) saw it rise from nine percent in April to 9.1% in May.

Reflecting on the figures, the Trades Union Congress’ general secretary, Frances O’Grady, shared that the government should not be fighting against working people who are trying to defend their wages.

“With inflation rising twice as fast as average pay, we need a government that will stand up for working people. But instead, we have ministers spoiling for a fight with workers who take action to defend their living standards,” she explained.

“The government must defend wages with decent pay rises in the public sector and fair pay agreements in the private sector. And we need a long-term plan to make the UK more resilient, including a revival in UK manufacturing. This would protect us from future global shocks pushing up inflation.”

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