Northern Rail strike: Commuters face travel disruption as train workers stage 24-hour walkout today and Thursday

The row over the role of guards on trains rumbles on

RMT union members are striking over the role of guards (AFP/Getty Images)

Northern workers have embarked upon a 24-hour strike over the role of guards on trains.

RMT union members are staging a walk out on Monday 26 and Thursday 29 March as part of the on-going dispute over driver-only operated trains.

While Northern says driver-only operated trains are widely used elsewhere, the union argues it puts passenger safety at risk.

“Every single effort that RMT has made to reach a negotiated settlement with Northern Rail over safe operation and safe staffing has been kicked back in our faces,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Cash.

“No one should be in any doubt, this dispute is about putting the safety of the travelling public before the profits of the private train companies.

“It is frankly ludicrous that we have been able to negotiate long-term arrangements in Scotland and Wales that protect the guards and passenger safety but we are being denied the same opportunities with rail companies in England.”

During the strike Northern will operate around 50 per cent of its usual number of weekday services, with the majority of these scheduled between 7am-7pm to ensure commuters can get to and from work.

A number of trains will have replacement bus services instead.

Northern warned on its website: “As the overall number of trains running will be reduced, we expect trains and any replacement buses we operate to be extremely busy.

“Please allow extra time for journeys, plan carefully and consider whether travel is necessary.”

Industrial action will affect services between Manchester Piccadilly, Sheffield, York, Newcastle, Carlisle, Preston and Chester.

A further walk-out is planned for Thursday 29 March.