Rail passengers facing more misery with strikes in new year

THE rail industry is facing fresh strikes in the new year in the longrunning dispute over guards on trains, threatening more travel misery for passengers.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) is warning of further industrial action as the bitter row approaches its third year.

The warning came before a 24-hour strike today by RMT members on Arriva Rail North (Northern) and on South Western Railway on New Year’s Eve.

Services on both days will be disrupted, with buses replacing trains on some routes.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Throughout 2018, RMT members have fought for the principles of a publicly owned, safe and accessible transport network for all.

“I want to pay particular tribute to RMT members on Northern and South Western Railway, who will be striking again this weekend and on New Year’s Eve in a long-running battle to put public safety before private profit.

“They are a credit to the entire trade union movement.”

Northern has called for an independent inquiry into the dispute in a bid to break the deadlock.

Managing director David Brown said: “More than 50% of all rail journeys in the UK are made on driver-controlled trains and recently the Department for Transport and Transport for the North publicly confirmed that a second person - in addition to the driver - would be retained on Northern services.

“This second person will provide customer service, including meeting customer needs on accessibility, safety, security, ticketing and information.

“Therefore, there is no reason for the RMT to continue its disruptive and economically damaging strikes but despite this, the RMT continues with its strike action.”

Northern said it has promised conductors their future role will be on-board trains, guaranteeing that role until at least 2025, their current pay will be protected - the starting salary for conductors is £28,250 - and that it will be reviewed annually if RMT ends the dispute.