Strike action goes ahead again on Northern tomorrow

21 September 2018

RMT Press Office:

Strike action goes ahead again on Northern Rail tomorrow after company collapse this week’s talks and union escalates the dispute

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that the latest phase of strike action in the Northern Rail guards’ safety dispute goes ahead as planned tomorrow.

The action is taking place in the wake of Arriva Rail North collapsing talks through ACAS this week aimed at brokering an amicable resolution to the union’s long-standing dispute over plans to introduce Driver Only Operations across the length and breadth of its franchise.

All Arriva Rail North Conductor, Conductor Instructor and Train Driver members are instructed to take action as follows.

Not to book on for on for duty between:
• 00.01 hours and 23.59 hours on Saturday 22nd September 2018

Strike action is also due to take place the following Saturday 29th September and the union has announced an escalation of the dispute with further strike dates confirmed ‎as follows;
• 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 6th October 2018
• 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 13th October 2018
• 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 20th October 2018

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“The Northern Rail action goes ahead as planned tomorrow in the guards’ safety dispute as Arriva Rail North continue to refuse to match the best practice in the industry on the guard guarantee and seem hell-bent on continued conflict.

“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 issue at the heart of the dispute remains the same - a safe, accessible and secure railway ‎for all and we thank the travelling public for their continued support for RMT's campaign.”

Ends.