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RMT confirms a further strike action over
safety disputes
BOTH Arriva Rail North and Merseyrail services will again
be affected by strike action that is part of a long running dispute over what
the Rail Union says are:- "rail safety issues" with the plans to
introduce Driver Only Operation trains, know as:- 'DOO Trains,' that both
operators plan to bring in very soon.
RMT Members will strike between 00:01 hours and 23:59 hours, on Friday, 1
September 2017 and on Sunday, 3 September until 23:59 hours, on Monday, 4
September 2017.
In reference to Arriva Rail North, RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:-
"The responsibility for the inevitable disruption lies wholly with the company.
We are angry and frustrated that Arriva continue to fail to face up to the facts
and also continue to ignore a perfectly reasonable union proposal to invite the
DfT to join us in round table talks aimed at finding a solution. The public, who
support RMT's campaign for a guarantee of a guard on their trains, will be
appalled that Arriva Rail North have failed yet again to offer any kind of
progress whatsoever in the talks and have instead opted to try and bulldoze
through their plans regardless. It is that flagrant disregard for the safety
issues at the heart of the dispute which leaves us with no option but to press
on with the campaign of strike action. RMT commends our Arriva Rail North
Members on their rock solid display of strength, resolve and unity during the
action so far in opposition to the introduction of driver controlled operation
and defence of the guards to guarantee a safer, securer and more accessible
railway for all. We have no doubt that they our members will remain united and
determined as we prepare for the next phase of action. The union continues to
remain available for meaningful discussions with the company in order to seek a
satisfactory resolution to the on going dispute."
The union said that it was angry and frustrated that Merseyrail continues to
turn down a union proposal to set up a "safety working group",
alongside outside safety bodies and the train manufacturer Stadler, on the
principle that a 2nd safety critical person would be retained on all
services.
RMT General secretary Mick Cash said:- "It is disgraceful that Merseyrail
continue to refuse all reasonable attempts by the union to settle this dispute.
Merseyrail have repeatedly kicked all conciliatory approaches by RMT negotiators
back in our faces and made it crystal clear that all that they are interested in
is the union signing a surrender document which gives them a free hand to rip
apart the safety culture on the railway. It is that cynical and hostile stance
from Merseyrail which has left us with no option, but press ahead with a further
3 days of strike action. RMT recognises the severe impact that the action will
have but we are dealing with an employer that refuses to listen or engage with
the union on the critical issue of safe rail operation and we ask the public to
understand that we have no option, but to take this high-profile action to force
the company back to the negotiating table. RMT is calling for genuine talks to
take place around a safe and sustainable deal that protects the future safety
across Merseyrail services. The company should take up that offer of further
talks as a matter of urgency. Merseyrail are completely ignoring the clear
wishes of their own passengers, who overwhelmingly oppose the idea of Driver
Only Operated trains on their network. That pig headed attitude has forced the
union's hand and the idea that we would compromise on the fundamental issue of
rail safety is absurd. The ball remains firmly in Merseyrail's court."
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