08.03.17
Looming RMT strike forces Northern to run just 40% of services
Northern has announced that it will only be able to run 40% of its usual schedule when union RMT go on strike on 13 March – operating approximately 980 services across “many, but not all” of its routes in the north.
The operator warned passengers to leave plenty of time for journeys and to consider if their journey was necessary before travelling, in anticipation of services being very busy as the TOC battles with staff shortages.
Northern has also explained that more than 100 trained managers and colleagues will be carrying out conductor duties to keep services moving as regularly and quickly as possible.
Richard Allan, the TOC’s deputy managing director, said: “We have focused our planning efforts on maintaining a train service on our busier routes between 7am and 7pm, and are looking to provide replacement bus services on some routes where trains won’t run.
“We are acutely aware of the important role that Northern plays in keeping the north of England moving. We would ask for your patience on Monday, and ask all our customers to individually take time to consider whether your journey is necessary and if its please plan carefully.”
Passengers travelling during the strike day have also been advised that they can find more information about altered services on their industrial action page.
This strike action is the latest development in the long-running clash between operators and RMT around driver-only operated (DOO) and driver-controlled operation (DCO) trains, which would see guards taken off trains – a measure that the union argues will compromise passenger safety.
RMT has now described Northern’s updated schedule as a “scab timetable” which will create issues for passenger safety and should push the operator to resume talks to end their dispute.
The union’s general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “Instead of winging it with this high-risk, scab timetable Arriva Rail North should be round the table with RMT working on a safe and sustainable future for their services.
“This dispute, and the campaign of industrial action we have announced today, were entirely preventable if the company had listened to the unions deep-seated safety concerns, had taken them seriously, stuck to their earlier commitments and had put passenger safety before profit.
“The union remains available for genuine and meaningful talks and we expect the company to take up that offer as a matter of urgency.”
Merseyrail has also announced that reduced services will run every half hour from 07:00 – 19:00, with all services being six-car trains, and advised passengers to check its website for further information on the day.
Southern, which will face strikes on the same day, also announced that most services will operate to the normal timetable, but added that passengers should exercise caution and check before they travel for updates.
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