First of three days of walkouts on trains across Merseyside
The RMT are in dispute with Merseyrail and Northern
Last updated 8th Jan 2018
Rail passengers on Merseyside have faced another day of disruption today - as the row over the introduction of driver only trains continues
Members of the RMT Union have walked out on both Merseyrail and Northern today, in the first of three days of strikes
It's in protest at the introduction of new driver only trains which are due to be brought in, in 2022
The new fleet will have no guards.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling proposing a summit with the Department for Transport, the train companies and the union.
The RMT said the meeting could consider how the principles of the agreements the union has reached in Scotland and Wales, which will keep guards on new trains, can be applied to the current disputes while meeting any concerns the Department for Transport and train companies have about future train services.
Mr Cash said: "I last met Chris Grayling on December 12, where we were told the train companies were free to negotiate deals like we have reached in Scotland and Wales where the guard has been retained but I then subsequently received a letter from Chris Grayling asking the union to accept the principle of driver-only trains.
"In light of this lack of clarity, and the contradictory messages emanating from the Government, I have been seeking further talks with the Secretary of State but unfortunately have not had a positive response to that request."
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "This is a dispute between a private company and the RMT."
"However, the Transport Secretary recognises the disruption caused to passengers and has met with union leaders on several occasions, including as recently as December, to help bring an end to the strikes."
"He offered guarantees of employment to members who currently fulfil the role of the second person on the train beyond the length of the franchises - instead the RMT called strikes on five train companies to cause maximum disruption to passengers"