Chris Grayling clashes with rail unions over call to cap pay rises
2 min read
Chris Grayling has sparked anger among union chiefs after calling for rail industry pay increases to be reduced.
The Transport Secretary is urging the sector to bring wage hikes in line with a lower measure of inflation than they are currently tied to.
Mr Grayling argued the move could bring down fares if salary savings are passed on to consumers.
He said: “It is difficult to justify using a different measure on inflation to the one that is widely used across services like the NHS.”
But union bosses hit back over the suggestion, saying the industry would fight the move.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "If Chris Grayling seriously thinks that front line rail workers are going to pay the price for his gross incompetence and the greed of the private train companies he's got another thing coming.
"This is a basket case government and a lame duck Transport Secretary continuing all-out war on staff and passengers alike.
"RMT will fight any attempt to impose a pay cap on our members in a drive to protect private train company profits."
Mr Grayling wants wages to be tied to the Consumer Prices Index inflation measure rather than the Retail Prices Index.
The latest RPI inflation figure is expected to deliver a pay increase to rail workers of around 3.5%, but will also impose the equivalent hike in ticket prices.
Former Cabinet Minister Priti Patel said of the fares rise: “This kind of increase is totally unwarranted right now.”
But Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “For every pound paid in fares, 98p goes back in to running and improving the railway.
"We are ready to work with all parts of the rail industry to improve value for money for our customers.”
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