14 November 2025
RMT Press Office:
RMT heavily criticised Carlisle Support Services today for shutting down negotiations and refusing to make any pay offer, on the day contracted out Northern Trains revenue and gate line members take strike action.
A mass picket will take place at 11:00am, Fountain Street, Manchester, followed by a members’ meeting in the city centre in support of the action.
RMT has accused Carlisle of a campaign of misleading and deliberately selective communications claiming that most of their contracts pay the living wage rates.
The union has categorically rejected this point arguing that Carlisle operations on Merseyrail and TransPennine exceed living wage rates because they negotiate with the union.
However on the Northern contract, the union has been effectively locked out of talks aimed at resolving the dispute.
And in an unacceptable move, the company is citing financial pressures as a reason why any pay improvements must be linked to productivity - something RMT wholly rejects.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Carlisle bosses have shown a shocking level of contempt for the negotiation process with RMT.
"They have walked away from their responsibilities, refusing reasonable dialogue and have shown disdain for those they employ.
"Our members cannot be intimidated or cajoled into accepting poverty pay and appalling treatment by any employer.
"The union will continue its campaign until reason prevails at Carlisle and a negotiated settlement is achieved."
END
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Tagged with: RMT, Eddie Dempsey, Northern Trains, Carlisle Support Services
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