Rail Strikes Hit Routes across England

Rail staff from three firms across England have started 24-hour strikes in a dispute over the role of guards on trains.

The RMT's 30^th strike day in its dispute with Southern over plans to make trains driver-only-operated (DOO) has now spread to the north of England.

Guards and drivers working for Merseyrail and Northern are taking part in strike action over similar DOO proposals. Management at all three companies say they are keen to negotiate a solution and deny that any jobs will be lost under the new proposals.

Up to 2,000 rail staff have walked out over the disputes.

Northern proposes to modernise its network by 2020 with the introduction of 281 new carriages and 2,000 extra services each week. It has promised to protect jobs and pay and said it was "disappointed" by the strike.

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operating companies said the industrial action was "completely unnecessary and will be very painful." He continued:

"Rail companies are willing to guarantee pay and jobs; new trains which customers desperately want enabling better services, no threat to safety and this is a very early stage of discussion."

All three strikes are due to end at midnight.

If you are in dispute with your employer it may be time to seek expert legal advice. Call our Wigan employment solicitors on 01942 366 288.

Allansons Solicitors

Employment Disputes