Rail workers’ 44th day of guard strike

RAIL workers battling to keep guards working on trains held their 44th strike yesterday – with no end to the deadlock in sight.

Members of the RMT transport union staged picket lines at stations as Northern trains were axed.

Owner Arriva Rail North warned passengers that few services would run after 5pm and any that did would be busy.

The union said the strike was “solidly supported”.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash added: “RMT members are standing firm as the company continues to soak up passenger cash and public subsidies that would easily fund the guard guarantee.”

Arriva has agreed to retain a second worker on trains but they would not perform full guard duties.