RMT general secretary Bob Crow warns of hard year of campaigning and action ahead in New Year message.

"No one should be under any illusions. 2014 will be a tough year for Britain's workers as the Government ratchets up its attacks on workers rights and public services. Cuts are set to escalate and only militant and coordinated action across workplaces and communities can stop the bulldozer of austerity

"While boardroom pay continues to soar, and the rich get richer , the mantra of pay restraint will still be hammered out by the massed ranks of the bosses and the politicians while they line their own pockets. We have to tackle that scandal head on.

"But despite all the attacks that workers will face in the year ahead we have nothing to fear if we stand united. Bullying bosses and politicians can be beaten through strong and militant trade unionism. If we fight, we can win.

"On the political landscape RMT will be backing a slate of NO2EU - YES TO WORKERS' RIGHTS candidates in May offering a positive alternative to the bankers-led EU and the narrow, right wing opportunism of UKIP. We will offer the working class a real political alternative.

"We send New Year greetings of peace and solidarity to trade unionists around the world as we recharge our batteries for the battles that lie ahead in 2014."