TSSA hails “magnificent” members

Thousands of members from rail union TSSA have taken strike action and action short of strike, with picket lines across the country.

TSSA General Secretary has hailed the “magnificent” members for their action, and is calling on the government, train operators and Network Rail to break the impasse in talks.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “Our members have been magnificent today. They are not renowned for their militancy, and in fact for many this is the very first time they have taken part in industrial action. Make no mistake, they have been forced into today's and Saturday's action as a result of their employer’s intransigence no doubt aided and abetted by the Tory Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps.

“We very much hope that common sense will now prevail, and the Department for Transport Train Operators will make a revised offer, as we have heard nothing from them since their derisory and insulting 2% pay offer with more strings attached than a violin quartet many weeks ago. If they do, we will engage in further discussions with them at once. But for this to happen, Grant Shapps must either come to the table or give train operators the mandate to negotiate and break this impasse.

“We are also continuing to engage with Network Rail and talks are ongoing. We hope the gap between us can soon be closed.

“Make no mistake, unless a negotiated settlement which is acceptable to our members is reached, this dispute will continue for as long as it takes.”

Over 5,000 TSSA members from 11 train operators and Network Rail have taken industrial action today (Thursday 18 August).