Members of railway union Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) have accepted an improved deal following a long-running national dispute over pay, job security and conditions.
A total of 80% of management grade and 60% of general grade members, in a variety of management, station, control, engineering, clerical, and customer service roles, voted to accept the deal, which resulted from negotiations with Rail Delivery Group.
The offer consisted of a two-year pay agreement covering 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, in the first year this comprised a 5% rise, or a minimum increase of £1,750, depending on whichever is higher, followed by a further 4% increase in the second.
No compulsory redundancies of employees within the grades directly affected by the workforce changes will be made until 31 December 2024. This includes all station-based grades, all on board grades including catering and train-crew, all administration grades and all fleet and engineering grades.
The agreement stated that all revenue protection and train service controller grades will be regarded as in scope for the purposes of the commitment to no compulsory redundancies.
In addition, regarding the voluntary redundancy scheme, the deal offered the terms set out under the 2021 RIRG Enabling Framework Agreement and will offer affected employees the opportunity to apply to leave the industry should they wish to.
TSSA said it continues to oppose the proposed closures of ticket offices.
A TSSA spokesperson said: “The incredible resolve we have seen from our members has resulted in a significantly improved pay deal over two years, commitments for no compulsory redundancies, improved opportunities for redeployment, as well as full consultation over proposed reforms to ticket offices and any changes to terms and conditions.
“We will continue to hold the train businesses and the government to account as we go forward because Britain needs a fully functioning rail network at the heart of our green industrial future, and as a means of rebuilding our economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
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.”