Tuesday 22 November 2022 10:44 PM 'I'm not the Grinch:' RMT boss Mick Lynch 'determined' to get deal as strikes ... trends now By DAVID CHURCHILL Picket line: Tube workers strike in south London Strikes by rail and postal workers have already caused major disruption – with other unions set to follow suit. The industrial strife is being driven by demands for wage rises that match – or exceed – sky-high inflation. RAIL The RMT, Aslef and TSSA rail unions want pay rises for staff in line with inflation at 11.1 per cent. These demands relate to more than 60,000 workers for Network Rail, which manages signalling and tracks, and to 14 train operators covering most of the nation. Talks with Network Rail are at an advanced stage, with a potential deal about 80 per cent agreed. It has offered a pay rise of 8 per cent over two years and no compulsory redundancies for three years, which the RMT has snubbed. However, the 14 train operators are yet to make a formal offer despite the dispute having dragged on for six months. The RMT's announcement yesterday means their members will have walked out 16 times since summer if the strikes go ahead. Train drivers, represented by Aslef, have also walked out and will do so again for 12 operators on Saturday. NURSES The Royal College of Nursing wants a 17 per cent pay hike for nurses. It argues the rise is fair, pointing to analysis showing that an experienced nurse's salary has fallen by 20 per cent in real terms since 2010. But the Government says it would cost around £9billion to meet the demands and has announced a pay rise for NHS staff in England of at least £1,400 – equivalent to 4 per cent – for 2022-23. This month 102 out of 215 NHS trusts voted to strike after 300,000 RCN members were balloted. No strike dates have been set yet while talks continue. Walkouts will be on a trust-by-trust basis if no deal is reached. CIVIL SERVANTS The Public and Commercial Services union wants a pay rise of 10 per cent for around 100,000 workers. But the Cabinet Office has rejected the demands, saying they would cost £2.4billion. Civil servants from the Home Office, the Department for Transport and the Environment Department will begin month-long targeted strikes from the middle of next month. The industrial action threatens to cause chaos at ports, borders and all areas of transport. It will include agencies such as Border Force and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, threatening to exacerbate long waits for documents such as passports and driving licences. Workers from further departments will strike if the dispute isn't settled. POSTAL WORKERS The Communication Workers Union wants pay rises for 115,000 Royal Mail workers in line with inflation. The formerly state-owned company has made an offer worth 9 per cent, including a 7 per cent salary increase over two years and a lump-sum payment of 2 per cent this year. But the CWU has rejected it, announcing 11 days of walkouts on various dates between November 24 and Christmas Eve after balloting members. It means customers face delays with cards and presents. TEACHERS AND LECTURERS The three largest teaching unions – NASUWT, NEU and NAHT – are balloting more than 350,000 members on strike action. They all want pay rises for members of around 12 per cent, saying the Government's offer of a 5 per cent increase is not good enough. Ballot results are not due until next year. Lecturers and other staff will strike on November 24, 25 and 30 at 150 universities after the University and College Union balloted members. SECURITY STAFF The GMB union wants a 15 per cent pay rise for more than 1,150 G4S security workers who deliver cash and coins to banks and supermarkets. It has raised fears of cash shortages in the run-up to Christmas. The union has rejected G4S's offer of a 4.5 per cent pay rise, plus bonus. All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility