Two more days of strike action on the trains

Rail Union RMT

Rail Union RMT has confirmed that a further two days of strike action on Arriva Rail North will go ahead on Tuesday 3 October and Thursday 5 October between 00:01am and 23:59pm.

The union said it was angry and frustrated that the company has blocked any chance of making progress in talks.

The company has made it clear repeatedly that it is not prepared to discuss the core issue of the second safety-critical person on their trains and will only meet to discuss the terms of the RMT’s surrender on the fundamental issue of Driver Only Operation. A stance that the union has slammed as a total disgrace.

Tthe company continue also plans to introduce a minimum of 50% driver controlled operation across the franchise upon the introduction of the new rolling stock "without agreement and in the teeth of opposition from the public, politicians and their own staff".

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Yet again we have been confronted with the sheer intransigence of Arriva Rail North and that means that we have no option but to confirm a further round of strike action.

“The union continues to remain available for meaningful discussions with the company in order to seek a satisfactory resolution to the ongoing dispute.”