HS2

22.03.17

RMT announces new strike to cause Grand National travel mayhem

The RMT has announced yet another strike on Merseyrail and Northern services to coincide with the Grand National on Saturday 8 April after negotiations broke down yesterday.

The new industrial action sees the dispute between the union and rail operators over driver-only-operated trains (DOO) continue further, as punters looking for a day out at the horses may experience significant disruption getting to Aintree, in Merseyside.

Mick Cash, general secretary of the union, blamed the continuing refusal of the companies “to give a simple, lasting guarantee that protects the safety-critical role of the guard on their trains” for the reason for the latest strikes.

Last time the union went on strike, Northern were only able to run 40% of their normal services due to guards and drivers striking.

Cash said: “The date we have announced, the 8 April, gives Arriva Rail North ample time to get round the table with us and negotiate a settlement that puts passenger safety right at its core.

“This dispute, and the 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.”

Once again, the company’s “intransigence” has forced RMT’s hand, Cash claimed. “The disruption to services will be entirely down to Arriva Rail North reneging on their earlier commitments.”

The RMT boss had equally strong words to say about Merseyrail, as he said that it was “disgraceful” that they had wrecked a “golden opportunity” to have serious talks.

“RMT reps set out key points for discussion that could have moved the dispute forwards, Merseyrail kicked that conciliatory approach back in our faces and made it crystal clear that all that they are interested in is the union signing a surrender document which gives them a free hand to rip apart the safety culture on the railway,” he argued.

Cash explained that the RMT knew full well that the strike would cause problems for those visiting Aintree for the Grand National, as he asked the public to understand that they have “no option” to make employers understand than take drastic action.

“There is ample time between now and April 8th for genuine talks to take place and for a safe and sustainable deal that protects the future safety across Merseyrail services to be put in place,” he said. “The company should take up that offer of further talks as a matter of urgency.”

And for the second time in as many months, the “pig-headed attitude” of operators was referred to by Cash as he called on Merseyrail and Northern to reconsider the union’s demands.

Richard Allan, deputy managing director of Arriva Rail North, said that Northern were surprised that RMT had announced strike action for Saturday 8 April as the operator had been in contact with the union for further negotiations for the past 24 hours. 

“We have been clear that we want RMT, along with our people, our customers and stakeholders, to play a role in bringing our modernisation plans to life" he said. "We want to work with everyone on how we modernise the way we provide customer service and continue to run a safe and reliable railway.”

RTM contacted Merseyrail for comment, but at the time of publication had not received a response. 

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.

Comments

Neil Palmer   23/03/2017 at 04:25

If there ever was a textbook definition of "pig-headed" it's Mick Cash. I thought blackmail was illegal, yet Mick seems to be guilty of that particular crime, ruining the economy and the livelihoods of innocent people all over his struggle to maintain the power to disrupt rail services whenever he feels like it. Striking for our safety my ....

Add your comment

related

rail technology magazine tv

more videos >

latest rail news

HS2 Ltd: Five tech firms join Innovation Accelerator initiative

11/09/2020HS2 Ltd: Five tech firms join Innovation Accelerator initiative

HS2 Ltd have announced today (11 Sept) the first five revolutionary tech firms that will join HS2 Ltd’s Innovation Accelerator programme. ... more >
Network Rail publish Decarbonisation Plan

11/09/2020Network Rail publish Decarbonisation Plan

Network Rail have released their interim Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy, illustrating its preliminary recommendations for decarbonisin... more >
Trains kept moving by AWC despite damaged overhead wires

11/09/2020Trains kept moving by AWC despite damaged overhead wires

Avanti West Coast have taken an unlikely option to allow their timetable to run, without delays, despite damaged overhead wires. The operato... more >

last word

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

This summer, Arriva Group's CrossCountry and the Scout Association joined to launch a new partnership to promote rail safety among young people. Chris Leech MBE, business community manager at the... more > more last word articles >

'the sleepers' daily blog

On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

29/06/2020On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

Following an independent audit, Sulzer’s Nottingham Service Centre has been accepted as part of the rail industry supplier approval scheme (RISAS). The accreditation reinforces the high-quality standards that are maintained by Sulzer’s network of independent repair facilities across the UK and further afield in its global network. ... more >
read more blog posts from 'the sleeper' >

comment

The challenge of completing Crossrail

05/07/2019The challenge of completing Crossrail

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at ho... more >
Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

04/07/2019Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

The move to decarbonise the rail network involves shifting to cleaner modes of traction by 2050. David Clarke, technical director at the Railway ... more >
Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

02/07/2019Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

Smart electrification is the way to boost clean energy resources, argues Leo Murray, director at 10:10 Climate Action. Contractors are clear... more >
Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

02/07/2019Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

The TCR Midlands conference is only days away and tickets are going fast for the sector event of the year at the Vox Conference Centre in Birming... more >

rail industry focus

View all News

interviews

Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

24/06/2019Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, has told the Today programme on Radio 4's BBC’s flagship news programme that he wo... more >