Northern rail strikes start today

Another round of strikes is hitting railways in the North, as Arriva Rail workers launch their latest round of industrial action.

The RMT union and Northern reached a stalemate in discussions yesterday over the role of a the guard on trains, leading to strike action today across its network.

RMT warned that crime could increase if the guards are phased out, calling it a “scandal”. They pointed to parliamentary answers that showed that 333 of the 527 stations that Northern service are unstaffed. It said on Wednesday that Northern (Arriva Rail) had ruled out tripartite talks with the Department of Transport.

The 24-hour strike will affect commuter routes into Leeds and Manchester, and 40% of its normal timetable. It said it would be running 300 additional replacement buses.

The strikes come on the eve of the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race, and could impact thousands of tourists and spectators. The event saw more than a million people flock to the race last year.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Removing staff from trains, which will travel through over 300 unstaffed stations, is a toxic combination that will increase anti-social behaviour and and unleash a surge in crime which will see Northern rail becoming a muggers’ paradise.

“The public are right to be concerned and that is why they are backing RMT’s fight for the guarantee of a guard on Northern trains.

“Far from being about modernisation or improving customer service Northern plans for driver only trains turn the clock back on protections for disabled, older and vulnerable passengers all so that the German state-owned outfit can make even more money out of passengers and taxpayers.‎”

“These are the reasons for tomorrow’s strike action and instead of ploughing on with their dangerous and discriminatory plans Arriva Rail North should be calling a halt and negotiating a settlement.”

Richard Allan, deputy managing director of Northern (Arriva Rail North), said: “It is disappointing that RMT was unwilling to move from its current position during our talks yesterday.

“Our employees want us to talk about changes we need to make to the on-board role as we modernise our railway. We believe we would keep a second person on many of our services and, at some locations, we may choose to staff the station to give better support to customers. In addition to protecting jobs and current pay, we are also willing to offer future, annual pay reviews for existing conductors if we can agree a deal with RMT.

“It is hugely disappointing that RMT is making demands rather than working with us to develop our plans. There is so much to discuss and we urge them to get back round the table.”

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