Rail strikes: Timetable changes across Northern and South Western leave commuters frustrated

Both firms are running a reduced service

(Getty/iStock)

Rail workers from Northern and South Western Rail are striking for 24 hours on Saturday as part of an ongoing struggle between unions and rail companies over the role of guards on trains.

Northern Rail staff are striking for six consecutive Saturdays across September forcing the company to run 30% of usual services. Few trains will be available before 9am and after 6pm.

The latest round of industrial action began on 25 August.

A Northern Rail spokesperson said that managers had been trained to step in for the absent conductors and that the impact of the weekend strikes was also more manageable for the company than weekday ones, which affect rush-hour trains.

"There are approximately three to five of our drivers who historically refuse to cross the picket line on strike days but we knew that in advance, so we could plan for that," the spokesperson said.

"The biggest impact will be felt at the tail end of the day, for evening commuters."

Frustrated Northern Rail commuters tweeted about the difficulties of evening travel during the strikes. Many used the hashtag #NorthernFail.

"It's a joke!" wrote one Twitter user. "Why are regular people being punished?"

This is the third round of industrial action by Northern Rail staff this year.

A spokesperson for South Western Rail said that the firm was running just over 50% of its normal service.

The RMT union is demanding that rail firms guarantee that guards are kept on trains.

"RMT members are standing rock solid again this morning on both Northern and South Western Railway in the continuing fight for safety, security and access on our trains," said RMT General Secretary Mick Cash.

"It is scandalous that while other train operators have been prepared to engage seriously with RMT on the crucial issue of a guaranteed second safety-critical member of staff on their services ARN and SWR have slammed the door in our faces."