RMT has announced that its members have "overwhelmingly" backed an extension to the Union's mandate to hold further strikes over the next six months across England and Wales

The Union re-balloted members working for 14 train operators across the country, seeing workers reaffirm support for strikes.

All of the ballots reached the 50% threshold required by the government for the votes to be legitimate.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said in a statement that the vote represented a de facto referendum on the dispute and strikes.

He added: “It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions.

“This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.

“They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers,” he said. 

When are Railway strikes taking place?

While new dates have not been announced, RMT railway workers are expected to strike across 14 companies on May 13.

Other unions are expected to strike as well such as the Aslef Union which will walk out on May 12 and 31 as well as on June 3, the day of the FA Cup.