Rail dispute sees breakthrough


Substantial progress in talks between the RMT rail union and the management of Northern Rail has resulted in the suspension of the long-running programme of strike action on Northern Rail over the retention and role of guards on their trains.


The announcement was made days after workers staged their 47th strike against plans to axe guards’ safety-critical jobs. Through the talks process, facilitated by conciliation service Acas, the company has now offered a guarantee of a conductor on all trains, including the new fleet, for the duration of the current franchise. 


The guarantee is supported by the Department for Transport.


Further talks will now seek further agreement on operational models.


RMT general secretary Mick Cash paid tribute to union members on Northern Rail over the two years and 47 days of action. He also thanked Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotheram, mayor of Liverpool City Region, for their efforts in breaking the deadlock.


Cash said that the offer of a guarantee of a conductor on all services for the duration of the franchise, including the new fleet, “is the substantial progress we have been pushing for”.

https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-suspends-northern-strike-action