Strike action continues on Northern
WEEKLY train strikes on Northern Rail will continue into October after talks broke down between the rail firm and the RMT union.
Drivers and guards on the Northern Rail network (also known as Arriva Rail North) have already walked out on Saturdays this month and have now extended this to include October 6, 13, and 18.
The strikes are the latest in a series relating to a longrunning row over the planned introduction of driver-only trains.
The union and employers had talks through the government’s Acas service, but these broke down last week with the RMT accusing Northern bosses of having a “pig-headed” attitude.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “This dispute, and the further industrial action we have announced today, would have been 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.
“In spite of the collapse of this week’s talks at Acas, RMT will not be deterred in its efforts and will continue to campaign both industrially and politically to ensure passengers using Arriva Rail North train services are afforded the respect they deserve and are provided with a continued and guaranteed safe, secure and accessible railway.
“The company’s intransigence has forced our hand and given us no option but to announce this latest phase of industrial action.
“The disruption to services will be entirely down to Arriva Rail North and their pigheaded attitude.
“RMT remains available for genuine and meaningful talks around the guard guarantee and we await a response from the company to that offer.”