Dominic Raab said the government “cannot” win the union’s debate on rail strikes.

Negotiations will resume on Wednesday to resolve the fierce debate over jobs, wages and conditions.

Approximately 40,000 members of the RMT Union are involved in Network Rail and 13 train operators are involved in industry campaigns. RMT members also went on strike on the London Underground on Tuesday.

Raab told Sky News on Wednesday morning that there must be “pay restrictions” in the public sector to stop inflation from rising.

“It only hurts the pay package of workers, especially the most vulnerable workers, for a long time,” he said.

“We cannot allow the unions to win this debate in this militant way.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said his work at Piqueline was “excellent” and exceeded expectations for job security, compliance and a decent increase in wages in union campaigns.

“RMT members lead all the workers in this country who are tired of cutting wages and conditions by mixing the interests of big corporations with government policies,” he said.

“Now is the time to stand up and fight for all rail workers in this dispute so that we win.”

Inflation rose again in May, remaining at its highest level in 40 years, deepening the contraction experienced by UK households, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Inflation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) went from 9% in April to 9.1% in May.