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Ministers said the economic squeeze means there is a need for pay restraint. The RMT union says strikes may begin in weeks unless drivers win 11 percent rises on a typical £59,000 salary, after its members voted in favour of national strikes. Leaders said that some rail workers have had their pay frozen for three years.<\/p>\n
Environment Secretary George Eustice said public sector staff must not expect big pay rises.<\/p>\n
He told Times Radio: “When it comes to the public sector right from MPs, right through to doctors and nurses, there are independent pay review panels.<\/p>\n
“They will make their recommendations and obviously we look very closely at that.” He added: “But it is going to be quite important to try and show restraint.”<\/p>\n
Any walkout by Network Rail signallers would have a significant impact nationwide. Trains might only run for part of the day, such as from 7am to 7pm – and just on main lines. Services could also be reduced to around a fifth of the normal weekday timetable.<\/p>\n
Civil servants are considering a pay walkout that would affect airports, courts and tax offices.<\/p>\n