Labour MPs joined striking rail workers on picket lines on Saturday as a fresh strike over driver-only trains caused more disruption to services.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on Arriva Rail North (Northern) walked out for 24 hours in the long-running dispute over the role of guards on trains.
It was the 23rd strike on Northern, which has also been hit by disruption following timetable changes.
⚠️RMT STRIKE ACTION UPDATE ⚠️Please note there will be no trains & no rail replacementbuses running between #Middlesborough & #Whitby today.Tickets will be accepted on @arrivanortheast between the twodestinations via Guisborough.More info here: https://t.co/0CVBHR87N8 pic.twitter.com/lwvCssLdh4
— Northern (@northernassist) June 23, 2018
Labour MPs Ian Lavery and Emma Lewell-Buck joined a picket line in Newcastle.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “This is the 23rd day of strike action on Northern Rail as RMT members stand up for the basic principles of safe and accessible rail service for all.
“The failure of Arriva Rail North to engage with their staff, and their determination to put their private profits before public safety, is a national disgrace.
Newcastle Picket Line joined by MP’s @IanLaveryMP @EmmaLewellBuck supporting Striking Rail Workers in opposition to Arriva Rail North’s plans for Driver Control Operation. pic.twitter.com/sQk5miv13Q
— john alan lauder (@johnnoblobby) June 23, 2018
“While other companies have shown a willingness to talk, and while we have reached agreements in Wales and Scotland that underpin the guard guarantee, Northern have jammed their heads in the sand and have crashed on with their dangerous plans to axe guards from nearly half a million trains a year.
“I repeat the demand to Northern again this morning – listen to your staff, get out of your bunker and start talking to the union.”
