RMT blasts Northern Rail for collapsing latest talks

19 September 2018

RMT Press Office:

RMT blasts Northern Rail for collapsing latest talks in guards' safety dispute

RAIL UNION RMT tonight blasted Northern Rail for collapsing talks through ACAS aimed at brokering an amicable resolution to the unions long-standing trade dispute over Arriva Rail North’s plans to introduce Driver Controlled Operations across the length and breadth of its franchise.

Despite RMT’s willingness to compromise and negotiate, but respecting the core issues at the heart of the dispute, namely the security, safety and accessibility of the travelling public, no agreement could be achieved due to the intransigent attitude of the company.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said;

"RMT is angry and frustrated tonight that a genuine attempt to broker a solution to the ARN dispute has once again been collapsed by the intransigence of the company.

"ARN continue to refuse to match the best practice in the industry on the guard guarantee and seem hell-bent on continued conflict.

“Whilst we are both disappointed and concerned that such discussions have ended without agreement or a constructive way forward, 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.”

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