Rail workers' union announces three more strike days in July and August

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The red-hot summer of strikes is set to continue, with a fresh round of industrial action announced by union bosses.The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have announced that their members will be downing tools on several days in July and August in response to a below-inflation pay offer from Network Rail bosses.It comes after strikes in June brought the UK's rail network to a standstill.The strikes on August 18 and 20, will bring out over 40,000 workers across Network Rail and 14 train operating companies affecting commuters in Paisley and beyond.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.RMT is also taking 24 hours strike action on 27 July.RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the "dispute will not simply vanish", calling on the government and the rail industry to offer a pay deal which "helps deal with the cost-of-living crisis, job security for our members and provides good conditions at work".He continued: “"Recent proposals from Network Rail fell well short on pay and on safety around maintenance work.“And the train operating companies have not even made us a pay offer in recent negotiations."Now Grant Shapps has abandoned his forlorn hopes for the job of Prime Minister, he can now get back to his day job and help sort this mess out."We remain open for talks, but we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement."Network Rail is the owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain and is an “arm's length” public body of the Department for Transport.Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, who earns nearly £600,000 per year, said:“It is incredibly frustrating the RMT has again chosen to