This means the union has won the right to negotiate on pay and conditions for the only group of staff left in what used to be Railtrack not covered by trade union recognition.

This is the largest group of rail workers to win recognition since the balloting process was introduced in 1999, and one of the largest groups across all industries.

The result of the ballot was 1999 votes for recognition and 396 against, with turnout at 53%. For a ‘yes’ vote to stand, at least 35% of those eligible to vote had to vote ‘yes’, and there had to be a clear majority of ‘yes’ votes.

The result affects 4,500 managers working for Network Rail throughout the UK – around a third of the organisation’s total workforce. This group of workers had recognition withdrawn when British Rail was privatised in 1994.

Richard Rosser, TSSA General Secretary, commented: “This is a significant win for TSSA and for Network Rail managers.

“We have campaigned for these managers – whether TSSA members or not – to be treated the same as their colleagues and given a voice within the company.

“One of the problems Railtrack suffered from was poor internal communications. Now TSSA represents all levels of management in Network Rail, we can help the new company get it right.

“Network Rail faces many challenges as it takes over stewardship of the railways. This will only happen with a proper partnership approach to industrial relations in the sector. This result brings such a partnership closer.”