RMT members to vote on deal that could end rail strikes

RMT members are to vote on a pay deal that could end the union's ongoing wave of industrial action against train companies.

Operators have put forward an offer that proposes backdated pay rises for staff and job security guarantees.

RMT boss Mick Lynch said he supported the deal, calling it a "welcome development".

If approved, train strikes planned over the Christmas period and into spring next year will be called off.

The RMT's dispute with rail companies has been going on for nearly 18 months already, with workers calling for better job security, pay and conditions.

However, after talks between the union and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents operators, a so-called memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been developed which sets out a mutually-agreed way forward.

The BBC understands the MOU involves a backdated pay rise for 2022 of 5%, or £1,750, and job security guarantees such as no compulsory redundancies until the end of 2024.

The second year's pay rise would still depend on reforms being negotiated at local level.

RMT members, including guards and ticket office staff, who work at 14 train companies have been taking part in a series of strikes since June 2022 in the long-running dispute.