Network Rail in last-ditch bid to stop train strike causing chaos across UK

theguardian.com:

Network Rail bosses say they plan to hold more talks with union leaders today in a last-ditch attempt to avert the biggest strike on the railways for more than three decades.

More than 40,000 rail workers are due to walk out on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Only about half of Britain’s rail network will be open on strike days with a very limited service on lines which are open.

One Network Rail source said: “We are in the room talking and there has been some movement. The chances are slim, but there is some hope.”

In his strongest comments yet over the looming strike action, the Labour leader Keir Starmer will say the strikes should not go ahead. He was to use a speech at a conference on Sunday to accuse ministers of “pouring petrol on the fire” to fuel a divisive dispute.

Network Rail has made some progress in talks planned to continue at its London headquarters on Sunday afternoon with the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT). However, union bosses indicated on Saturday that there was almost no chance of a last-minute breakthrough in talks over pay, jobs and conditions.

Mick Lynch, the RMT general secretary, said “no viable settlements” had been tabled and the strikes would go ahead. He said thousands of jobs were being cut and workers faced below-inflation pay rises.

Network Rail has offered a 2% pay rise, backdated to January, plus two further rises during the year of 0.5% each linked to productivity and efficiency gains. Union negotiators want pay increases to match inflation.

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, said: “I’m serious about trying to find a solution and work out a compromise that gives our people a decent pay rise, but it has to be affordable for taxpayers and fare payers.

“Our offers have so