Network Rail has found itself locking horns with trade unions once again after excluding workers who took part in strikes earlier this year from bonus awards.
Though the arms-length government organisation agreed a pay deal with the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) in March to put an end to strikes, National Rail is facing renewed scrutiny over the decision not to award bonuses for up to 20,000 workers
“To exclude trade unionists from this bonus scheme is disgraceful and is understandably causing significant consternation among members,” RMT boss Mick Lynch said.
Thousands of workers had taken part in the eight-month-long dispute, which saw those who upkeep Britain’s railways walk out over pay and conditions.
The dispute then ended in March with workers securing backdated pay increases of between 14.4% for the lowest paid grades to ”9.2% for the highest paid.
Network Rail argued that the lack of bonus payments for those who walked out was not a surprise though, with workers having been warned of missing out before going on strike.
“Awarding performance-related pay (PRP) is Network Rail’s way of recognising colleagues for their contribution to achieving the company’s performance targets,” the group said.
“We have been crystal clear with both our trade unions and our employees that the cost of strike action would directly impact the PRP scheme.
“Our position was made very clear - any discretionary payments would focus on those who continued to support rail services during industrial action.