Theses strikes have now been called off while the union considers a new offer from Network Rail. It is holding a referendum of members with a recommendation to reject the offer.

RMT press release:

TWO 24-HOUR strikes have been called by Britain's biggest rail union after a massive vote for action over pay and conditions by 5,000 Network Rail signallers and operational staff.

RMT members will not book on for shifts due to start between 13:00 on Tuesday June 20 and 12:59 on Wednesday June 21, and between 21:00 on Sunday June 25 and 20:59 on Monday June 26.

In a 65 per cent turnout, members voted overwhelmingly to strike after the company failed to budge from a three-year pay offer that would deliver an effective two-year pay freeze and delay for another year a 35-hour week that should have been in place three months ago.

"Our members have seen through a disgraceful campaign of disinformation by the company and returned what can only be called a massive vote for action," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

"We warned the company that our members would not accept this penny-pinching offer from executives who have pocketed a million in bonuses between them.

"NR's offer would see our members' pay stand still in real terms for two years and would stall the implementation of the 35-hour week they were promised by March for another year.

"Whichever way you look at it that is unacceptable, but it is even more galling coming from bosses with massive bonuses on top of telephone-number salaries.

"Network Rail made a single-year pay deal available for maintenance staff, and there is no sensible reason why they should not do the same for signallers and operational staff too.

"Our negotiation team remains available for talks, but our members have made it clear that they are fed up with the double standards and are determined to win justice on pay," Bob Crow said.

Notes

The Network Rail pay offer for signallers and operational staff is for a 3.2 per cent increase plus a non-consolidated taxable lump sum of £250 this year, RPI-only increases in 2007 and 2008, with further non-consolidated lump sums of £300 and £350 respectively. The ballot closes on June 12.

The vote for action was 2,104 (68.4 per cent) in favour to 970 (31.6 per cent) against.