An Update From Northern Rail

RMT Industrial Action Friday 1 and Monday 4 September

You will be aware that RMT has announced its intention to hold two further days of strike action on Friday 1 and Monday 4 September.
 
It is clear these latest strike days are timed to cause maximum disruption to people returning to school, college and work after the summer holidays.
 
As always, our focus is on keeping everyone updated on the revised service we will be running on both strike days. We have been communicating through a variety of channels – including through our stakeholder network, the media, posters at stations and via our social media platforms.
 
We plan to run over 900 services between 7am and 7pm on both days, although services on some routes will end earlier. We are asking people to plan ahead and visit the industrial action page on our website through: www.northernrailway.co.uk/industrial-action
 
We are disappointed that RMT has called a further two days of strike action. We recently proposed again, to the union’s General Secretary, to work alongside us to explore how we make changes to the on-board role to make it fit for the future, better supporting customers on trains and at stations.
 
The lack of progress in talks is frustrating as we want everyone, including RMT, to get behind our investment and modernisation of the Northern network so that the wealth of benefits can be felt by local businesses and communities. And clearly, no-one at Northern loses out.

We are committed to continuing talks with RMT and to protecting jobs and pay. However, these strikes make those long-term assurances more difficult to guarantee and without RMT’s structured involvement, we must now move forward.
 
Our modernisation isn’t just about new trains – it is about a range of route improvements and connecting people to key towns and cities. It is the most exciting change to local rail for a generation with 98 new trains, 243 updated trains, faster and more frequent services, more space on trains, better stations, and staff being more visible and available than ever before. 15 updated trains are already out on the network, and 111 stations will be upgraded by the end of this year.

This shows we are beginning to deliver on our promise.

Everyone has a big role to play in bringing our plans to life. It is hugely disappointing that RMT continues to say no to changes which will, ultimately, create jobs and make the North an even better place in which to live and work.

We will of course keep you updated with any future developments.