06.06.18
Northern passengers face strike action on top of current chaos
RMT has confirmed three days of strike action on Northern Rail, amidst the ongoing chaos that resulted from the recent timetable changes.
The action is part of the ongoing dispute between the union and the train operator over plans to remove guards from its trains.
The union has repeatedly argued that the extension of Driver Only Operation is in the name of increased profits and compromises passenger safety.
All Arriva Rail North conductor, conductor instructor and train driver members have been instructed to not book shifts on 19, 21 and 23 June 2018 between the hours of 00.01 and 23.59.
RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “We have seen over the past fortnight that Northern is a company which has declared war on its passengers and staff alike.
“RMT will not stand aside while the threat to axe safety critical guards from Northern services remains central to the company plans.
“This company has reduced the timetable to total chaos and the union will not allow them to slash the safety culture to ribbons in the same fashion.”
He added: “The failure to reach a solution to this dispute to date is solely down to the company and the union remains ready for genuine and meaningful talks.”
Northern’s deputy managing director, Richard Allan, said: “Northern is working extremely hard to stabilise and provide certainty in delivering a reliable train service on those parts of our network affected by recent very significant disruption and cancellations.”
Referring to the latest strike action, he added: “The May timetable problems and the latest RMT strike action will not deter us from delivering our modernisation plans for customers – £500m of new trains which are currently under construction, better stations and more services by 2020.”
Top image: Victoria Jones PA Wire
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