Merseyside hit by double strike on trains and buses

It's a double dose of misery on the morning rush hour - with a strike on Merseyside's trains and buses

Members of the RMT are staging another strike on Merseyrail & Northern as their row over the introduction of driver only trains continues

At the same time - Unite members on Arriva are walking out again in a row over driver pay. RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “Every single effort that RMT has made to reach negotiated settlements in these separate disputes with the different train operating companies over safe operation and safe staffing has been kicked back in our faces and we are left with no option but to confirm a further phase of industrial action in early November.

“It is frankly ludicrous that we have been able to negotiate long-term arrangements in Scotland and Wales that protect the guards and passenger safety but we are being denied the same opportunities with rail companies in England.

“This suspension of normal industrial relations by the employers has to end if we are to make progress towards a solution that guarantees safe rail travel for all"

Andy Heath, Merseyrail’s deputy managing director, commented:

‘Just a few weeks after the last round of industrial action, the RMT has announced it will strike again, targeting commuters and leisure-travellers alike. We will do all we can to provide as comprehensive a service as possible, with timetable details published over the next few days.

‘The union claims to be open to talks, but failed to respond to our most recent offer of a meeting.