More rail strikes over role of guards on trains

A series of fresh rail strikes will be launched this week in the longrunning dispute over the role of guards on trains, causing more disruption to services.

Members of the RMT union will walk out tomorrow, Thursday and Saturday on Arriva Rail North (Northern) and for three days from Thursday on South Western Railway.

The dispute has been continuing for more than two years and now affects five train operators. The union called for last-ditch talks to resolve the Northern strike, claiming that taxpayers and passengers were footing the bill for the cost of the action.