RMT announces yet more Northern strikes
02nd November 2018
The ongoing dispute between the RMT and Northern Rail looks set to rumble on as the union has announced yet more strikes. With the 34th day of action coming up on Saturday, the RMT have announced a further seven dates that take the dispute up to the New Year.
As well as the current instruction for all RMT Arriva Rail North Conductor, Conductor Instructor and Train Driver members to take action on the 3rd and 10th November, they have also been instructed not to book on for any shifts on any of the following Saturdays up to and including Saturday 29th December.
RMT continue to maintain that Northern are refusing to engage in serious and meaningful talks, and therefore have no option but to continue this action. They also claim that union negotiators have been 'strung along' rather than being serious about a settlement that could match other agreements achieved in Wales, Scotland and other parts of England.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:
“RMT continues to make every effort to get serious and meaningful talks going with Northern but the company are not interested and would prefer to continue to bury their heads in the sand regardless of the impact on the travelling public.
“German-owned Northern Rail want to run nearly half a million trains a year without a safety critical guard on board in a move that would wreck both safety and access to services and they should listen to their front-line staff and pull back from that plan immediately.
“RMT has secured agreements on other English franchises that enshrine the guard guarantee. Similar agreements have also been reached in Wales and Scotland. Arriva Rail North need to do the right thing and come to an agreement that secures a guard on their trains too.
“We thank the public for their support and understanding throughout this dispute over rail safety and access and the union remains ready for genuine and serious talks.”
Northern have since issued a response to this strike action, this can be viewed by clicking here.
Author: Darren Porter
Image: RMT