MORE than 100 global transport union leaders wrote to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today, calling on him to meet with British unions to resolve the ongoing rail disputes.

The letter by the International Workers Federation (IFT), a body representing over 20 million workers in 52 countries, said it was “shocked” by UK government plans to impose railway cuts and warned Mr Shapps that the country’s international reputation on industrial relations is at risk.

The government and Mr Shapps have been accused of acting behind the scenes to prevent a deal from being made between the striking workers and rail operators.

Mr Shapps has called allegations that he and the government have been “wrecking” negotiations a “lie.”

“Unions across the world are shocked that less than a year after committing to supporting dialogue with trade unions at Cop26, the UK is set to impose cuts to railway services and scrap infrastructure projects … when it should be expanding and promoting public transport,” the letter said.

“Grant Shapps must realise that the UK’s international reputation on industrial relations is at risk.”

The news comes as London Underground employees in the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have voted to continue their campaign to protect pensions, working agreements and stop job losses with 91.1 per cent voting “yes” from a 53.1 per cent turnout.

The result means they can continue to strike.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch called it a “fantastic result” which proves Tube workers endorse the arguments the union has been making during the industrial action.

The news of the vote follows two days of national strike action from rail workers on Tuesday and Thursday which halted train journeys around the country with a further strike planned for today.

Social media has seen users from all over the world post solidarity messages with the strikers.

A French rail worker posted a video in support on Twitter where he said people in other nations were watching the events.

He added that he hoped they would inspire more industrial action in France and other countries.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned the strikes labelling them unnecessary and a “terrible idea.”