40th day of Northern strike action to go ahead

14th December 2018

The RMT have confirmed that the 40th day of strike action on Northern Rail will go ahead tomorrow as planned with the claim that the company continue to refuse to engage in serious talks.

The RMT said it is angry and frustrated but remains determined to carry on the fight for a safe, secure and accessible railway while Northern continue to dig in their heels and treat the union with contempt. The union have repeatedly set out the principles for discussion around the guarantee of a second safety-critical person on the train but Northern refuse to engage in serious talks aimed at ending the long running dispute.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said:

“RMT remains angry, frustrated and determined to carry on the fight for a safe, secure and accessible railway for all as Northern Rail slam the door on all efforts to make progress towards a settlement that underpins the guard guarantee.

"It has only been the resilience of RMT members and our supporters from the ‎travelling public, whose solidarity and determination have been instrumental in keeping the focus of the dispute on the crucial point of a guarantee of a guard on the train. It is deeply disappointing that the company have failed repeatedly to meet the union’s call to move the issues forwards.”

"It's time for Arriva Rail North to stop taking instructions from this collapsing government, get out of the bunker and start talking seriously and positively with the union on the issue of the guard guarantee instead of gambling with public safety as they pump up their profits.

"We thank the public for their continuing support and understanding that this dispute is all about safety, access and passenger service on Britain's increasingly violent and dangerous railways."‎

Author: Darren Porter
Image: RMT