FRESH STRIKE ACTION: 20,000 RMT members set for June walkout as rail dispute rumbles on

20,000 railway workers across the UK are set to walkout on Friday 2 June in a dispute with 14 train companies, it has been announced.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has said that its members, including catering staff, train managers and station staff, will all take action in response to the latest offer from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). The union claims that the RDG's previous offer and associated conditions were unacceptable, and despite negotiations between the two parties since the last strike on 13 May, no new proposals have been put forward for the RMT to consider.

The strike action is expected to affect train services across the country, causing significant disruption for commuters and other rail users. The RMT has expressed its regret at the need for industrial action, but maintains that its members' concerns are justified and must be addressed by train companies and the wider rail industry.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider.

"Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.

"Ministers cannot just wish this dispute away.

"They underestimate the strength of feeling our members who have just given us a new 6-month strike mandate, continue to support the campaign and the action and are determined to see this through until we get an acceptable resolution.

"The government now needs to unlock the RDG and allow them to make an offer that can be put to a referendum of our members."