UPDATED 10.25
THE first strike of Network Rail staff in the pay dispute between the company and the RMT will be staged from 17.00 on Bank Holiday Monday.
The staff include many signallers, and although qualified Network Rail managers may be able to take over in some cases, it seems likely that the 24-hour walkout will cause widespread disruption of National Rail services on Tuesday 26 May.
RMT members will also ban overtime for 48 hours on the Bank Holiday and Tuesday.
The RMT had rejected Network Rail's offer of a lump sum payment of £500 this year and pay increases linked to the Retail Price Index for the following three years.
Network Rail, which has spoken of 'financial pressures', said it had improved its offer already and that it was fair, considering that previous rises have been higher than in many other industries.
The RMT's general secretary Mick Cash said his members had been left with 'no option', and he threatened a 'rolling programme' of industrial action. He said his members had been angered by Network Rail's stance, and that its latest proposals were 'wholly inadequate'
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin responded: “I condemn any industrial action that disrupts the travelling public. Network Rail has put a fair offer on the table and has sought further talks with the unions.
“Rail passengers will not thank the unions for inflicting this unnecessary disruption."