Britain's biggest rail union sets dates for national rail strikes

Thousands of railway signallers are to stage two 24-hour strikes later this month in a growing dispute over pay and conditions.

Britain's biggest rail union, the RMT, said the strikes will start at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20 and 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said members had voted "overwhelmingly" to strike after Network Rail, the company responsible for managing the infrastructure of the railway, refused to improve a previous three-year pay offer.

Mr Crow said the offer would have been an effective two-year pay freeze.

In a statement, he declared: "Our members have seen through a disgraceful campaign of disinformation by the company and returned what can only be called a massive vote for action.

"We warned the company that our members would not accept this penny-pinching offer from executives who have pocketed a million in bonuses between them."

Five thousand Network Rail signalers and operational staff could be involved in the strike. According to the union, 2,104 of them voted in favour, with 970 against.

Network Rail's chief executive, John Armitt, expressed disappointment.

"We believe the proposed pay settlement with above-inflation increases, a doubling of travel subsidies and a 35-hour working week is a generous one and a good deal for our people," he said.

"We are therefore disappointed in the ballot result. We will now seek talks with the trades unions to try and find a way to a negotiated settlement..."

He said the dispute could also affect football fans' efforts to get home on time to watch England playing in the World Cup. The first strike date coincides with the final group game against Sweden.

"We are particularly disappointed that the planned strikes will jeopardise the commute home and the viewing pleasure of millions of fans who are eager to watch England's third and possible fourth games in the World Cup," Mr Armitt said.