One-day strike action by RMT members leads both companies to reduce services that were already affected by bad weather

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Workers at two rail companies have launched a 24-hour strike in the bitter dispute over the role of guards.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on Merseyrail and Arriva Rail North (Northern) were said to be “united and determined”.

The strike led both companies to reduce services that had already been affected by the severe weather.

Merseyrail (@merseyrail) Good morning. Please be advised that a limited strike action timetable is in operation today with a limited service between 0700-1900 (with a break in service). For full info please visit https://t.co/l4Q84axtsZ.

Thank you.

The RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “Our members on both Northern and Merseyrail stand united and determined this morning in these two separate disputes which are about putting public safety before private profit.



“The weather over the past week has rammed home the key point that cutting corners and axing staff in the name of profit on our railways is a dangerous gamble that must be stopped.

“That is the principle that RMT members are standing up for this morning on Northern and Merseyrail.

“We will not accept a situation where guards are hailed as heroes one minute and threatened with the sack the next.

“RMT remains available for talks and it is time for both Northern and Merseyrail to get out of the bunker and start talking seriously about a safe and secure future on our railways.”