Northern Rail strike: When is it and what trains are cancelled over Easter?

Which services are affected and what can you do to minimise disruption to your journey?

The RMT union announced further strikes this week after what it describes as a “snub” by Northern Rail.

Union employees went on strike on Monday 26 March between 00:01am and 23:59pm, and are doing so again today during the same hours.

But why are union members striking?

Why are Northern Rail employees going on strike?

Northern Rail has plans to increase the number of driver only controlled services. This will likely reduce the number of conductors on trains.

According to the RMT website, the union has called strike action “over attacks on the role of the safety-critical guard and the extension of driver only operation”, which it says “has been taken in the name of increased profits”. RMT claims Northern Rail continues to “snub union calls for meaningful talks.”

While the union argues that safety will be compromised by the extension of driver only services, Northern Rail says the changes will reduce the amount of time spent at stations and enable on-board staff to focus on customer service and revenue protection rather than operational duties.

The company says the changes have been endorsed by Britain’s most senior railway safety inspection body, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which said that driver controlled operation is a safe way of working and that it’s “fully risk-assessed, widely discussed, and approved in accordance with relevant legislation.”

The government was critical of the strike. A DfT spokesperson said:

“The RMT’s pointless strikes are aimed at causing passengers as much disruption as possible as they head home for Easter, but the train operator is doing everything it can to keep people on the move.

“We urge the trade union to work with the operator to deliver this new improved service for passengers.”

Why have Northern Rail and RMT been unable to reach an agreement?

RMT argues that its strike is taking place over “safe operation and safe staffing”.

It says its efforts to negotiate a settlement have been “kicked back in our faces,” adding that the union has been able to negotiate arrangements in Scotland and Wales, but not England.

According to RMT general secretary Mick Cash: “Theresa May and Chris Grayling are happy to stand aside and cheer on overseas rail companies that rip-off the British passenger with eye-watering far increases to subsidise their domestic transport operations while throwing the guards off our trains.

“If it’s good enough for Wales and Scotland to put safety first then it’s good enough for the rest of the UK.

“RMT remains ready for the talks we have suggested.”

How will services be affected and where?

The majority of Northern Rail trains still running today will do so between 7am and 7pm.

Many of the last trains today will be at 7pm and, with limited trains and replacement buses, services on both are likely to be very busy.

Those who have already bought advanced purchase tickets (AP) can also use them on Friday 30 March. Network Rail advises that the following operators will accept Northern Rail AP tickets today: Arriva Trains Wales, CrossCountry, East Midland Trains, TransPennine Express, Grand Central, Hull Trains, Virgin Trains East Coast and Virgin Trains, and advises passengers to travel at times close to those on purchased tickets.

The stations likely to be badly affected by today’s strike include: Carlisle, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, Bolton, Blackburn, Stockport, Manchester, Bradford, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield, Leeds, Harrogate, Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, York, Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Lincoln, Hull and Scarborough.

The Northern Rail website has a full list of affected routes, as well as replacement rail and bus services. Where available, travellers may use Aviva buses at no extra cost to complete their journeys.

What should passengers do to avoid disruption?

If you have plans to travel on a route affected by the strikes, disruption is likely.

National Rail recommends that passengers check nationalrail.co.uk on the day for the most up-to-date train running information.

Can I get a refund if I have bought a ticket but choose not to travel?

According to the Network Rail website: “Customers who decide not to travel today due to the industrial action should be allowed a full refund, without any admin charge.

“Refunds should be applied for from the original point of sale.”