27/04/2026
Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2026 - Train Operating Companies
Our Ref: BR2/0001
27th April 2026
Dear RMT Member,
Back in January, I wrote to the Department for Transport demanding that the Train Operating Companies table 'no strings' inflation proof pay offers by the respective TOC pay anniversary dates. The National Executive Committee, then stated that if each employer does not table an acceptable pay offer no later than two weeks prior to the respective TOC pay anniversary date, then the Union would table a fail to agree. This has been the case at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railway, East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains, Southeastern Trains, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Trains. The anniversary date for Cross Country is 28th May, c2c is 1st July and South Western Railway is 1st October. At each TOC where the anniversary date has passed, the Union has now declared a dispute situation.
The National Executive Committee considered this matter again yesterday and noted that pay talks are stalling and do not meet our aspirations. The Department for Transport is coordinating pay negotiations across the Train Operating Companies. The NEC has already set out a clear strategy, including formal correspondence to both the DfT and individual TOCs, making it explicit that our pay claim is RPI-plus, that we will not fund pay rises through any clawback of our hard-earned terms and conditions, and that settlements must be in good time for our respective pay anniversary dates.
Despite this, employers have failed to respond meaningfully. The majority have yet to table any offer, missing anniversary dates and those that have done so have either fallen significantly below RPI or have sought to impose cuts to terms and conditions in exchange for a pay increase to meet RPI.
This approach is wholly unacceptable.
This is taking place against a backdrop of continued profiteering within the industry, with TOC's and ROSCO's extracting significant dividends from the railway. At the same time, MP's have awarded themselves an above-inflation pay increase, justified on the basis of the abuse and threats they face. Our members experience that same reality on a daily basis, often without adequate protection or recognition.
Meanwhile, railway workers' pay remains significantly below where it should be. That gap is the result of years of suppression and coordinated restraint by the employer.
The RMT will not stand by and allow this to continue. The DfT, the government and the train operating companies are now on notice. Our message to the government is clear: unshackle these pay talks and allow meaningful negotiations to take place, or we will escalate our campaign, including moving towards a coordinated ballot for industrial action across all TOC's, where we will co-ordinate strikes to maximise disruption.
The NEC has now instructed me to convene regional meetings, involving the relevant NEC member, National Officer and Regional Organiser, as soon as possible. Also to organise an online rally for members, involving the General Secretary, National President, Senior Assistant General Secretary and a representative of the NEC. Also to write to the Department for Transport and to each TOC, reiterating our pay claim and highlighting the ongoing double standards. This correspondence will make clear that failure to action may lead the union further escalate the matter where all options are available.
The NEC will consider this matter again on Tuesday 19th May 2026 and I will keep you advised of all further developments. In the meantime, please ensure your details, including workplace, job title and home address remain up to date on your RMT record. You can check and update your details using e-Membership at www.rmt.org.uk
Yours sincerely,
Eddie Dempsey
General Secretary
