You may be aware that RMT has announced its intention to hold a further strike day on Saturday 8 April.
Their ongoing dispute is about Northern’s plans to modernise the region’s rail services and the changes we need to make to the role of our conductors – a move which will make staff more visible and available than ever before on trains and on stations.
We are disappointed that RMT has called another strike day, as we had only been in contact with their officials 24 hours before they announced the strike to organise meaningful discussions. We want to talk again about their role in bringing our modernisation plans to life while maintaining a safe and reliable railway.
On Saturday 8 April RMT will be operating 822 services between 09.00 and 17.00. Their plan is to keep as many people as possible on the move during that day and they are asking customers to plan ahead and consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary.
RMT are really sorry that their customers’ travel plans will be disrupted by this second day of strike action, especially with so many significant sporting events happening across our network, including the Grand National and football fixtures.
The last Northern train is scheduled to leave Liverpool Lime Street station at 18.30, before the Grand National event is over. Customers who want to travel by train after that time will need to use other train operators’ services from Liverpool Lime Street or consider alternative forms of travel for their journey home.
A special page on RMT website gives specific information on the services we will be running and this is available through northernrailway.co.uk/industrial-action.
The key things we are doing to keep customers updated, include:
- Distributing 350,000 leaflets throughout last weekend and in the coming days
- Adverts in print and online media – including press releases with service information
- Supporting our customers with information through social media
- A special page on our website is providing specific information on the services we will be running – available through northernrailway.co.uk/industrial-action, and
- Prominent station posters across the Northern network
Northern is at the start of a significant modernisation programme. This includes major investment in new trains, new technology, investments in our stations, and a new focus on customer service. All our improvements will put safety first, deliver easier journeys and improve accessibility for our customers.
RMT know they have a unique opportunity to work in partnership with our colleagues, customers and stakeholders to modernise rail travel in our region. Northern Rail will therefore keep you informed of important developments, including our discussions with RMT.
Best wishes
Sharon Keith
Regional Director
Arriva Rail North Limited
