08.12.17
RMT to run 24-hour Merseyrail strike on Mad Friday
The RMT union has confirmed plans to hold 24 hours’ worth of strike action across Merseyrail services on 22 December, the Friday before Christmas.
The announcement is the next in a long-running dispute between the union and several operators over pay and driver-only operated (DOO) trains, which resulted in industrial action on five separate franchises last month.
After the strikes the RMT sought a meeting with Steve Rotherham, the mayor of Liverpool Combined Authority, to urge him to intervene the disagreement.
It is the second time the RMT have organised strikes around major public events, with Merseyrail and Northern services in April hampered by the unions Grand National strike.
The union believes trains operated without a second member of staff could raise safety problems for passengers, although evidence from the RSSB points to the contrary.
“If those politicians had taken a positive and proactive stance, like their colleagues in Wales and Scotland, we could move towards a solution to this dispute which puts safety first,” said RMT general secretary Mick Cash.
“The city and regional Labour leaders need to step back immediately from the terms of the resolution to remove all the guards, that they voted for a year ago this week, which lit the fuse in this dispute.”
Andy Heath, Merseyrail’s new managing director, said the strike had been timed for the busiest period of the year, with people attending festive events and shopping but still going to work before the Christmas period fully starts.
“As on previous strike days, we will endeavour to provide as many trains as possible, and timetable details will be disclosed over the next week or so,” Heath commented
“We are keen to see an end to this dispute. At the request of the metro mayor, Merseyrail has agreed to independent conciliation with the RMT, with no pre-conditions.”
Top image: Nick Ansell PA Wire
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