8 February 2023
RMT Press Office:
RMT responds to comments made by Andrew Haines.
Following comments made by Network Rail boss Andrew Haines suggesting former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps's "noisy political rhetoric" had "galvanised” rail workers to take strike action, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "We have said from the very beginning Grant Shapps has and continues to play a destructive role in the national rail dispute.
"He was never interested in getting a deal and made various failed attempts to appear tough in dealing with RMT.
"This approach backfired spectacularly and has made our members more determined to win a negotiated settlement on pay, conditions and job security.
"Although he is no longer Transport Secretary, he has an agenda which is totally hostile to trade unions and working people in general."
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