Network Rail urges unions to return to talks to avert strike

Strike across Great Britain planned for 27 July as RMT calls latest pay offer of 4% this year, up to 4% the next, paltry'

Network Rail's chief negotiator has urged union leaders back to the negotiating table to avert another rail strike, arguing that the company has met its demands and that its latest offer should be put to members to vote on.

On Wednesday, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which has as many as 40,000 members, announced another nationwide strike for 24 hours on 27 July in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.