30 train stations across Greater Manchester at risk of becoming 'crime hot spots'
That's according to the RMT Union as their members strike for the second time in a week.
Last updated 5th Oct 2017
It's claimed as many as 30 train stations in Greater Manchester are at risk of becoming crime hot spots if Northern Rail presses ahead with plans to take guards off trains.
That's according to the RMT Union as their members walk out for the second time in a week.
todaRMT identifies 330 station “crime hot spot and no-go areas” if Northern Rail proceed with plan to sack Guards
Nationally, the union has identified 330 unstaffed stations which it fears will become no-go areas for vulnerable and disabled passengers if rail bosses push forward with their plans.
They say, although the stations are already unstaffed, protection and assistance for passengers and the train driver at stations is provided by the Guard who is on all trains.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said, “No staff on many routes and lines, no staff on the stations and no staff on the trains travelling through these stations means there will be a cocktail of dangers at the locations we have identified which will increasingly become no-go areas for vulnerable passengers and new crime hot spots. At the same time our isolated drivers will be on their own, increasingly exposed to anti-social and violent behaviour.
“As well as these dangers there will be also be disadvantages for disabled and older passengers who require assistance because there will be no one there to help them on and off the train or provide assistance during their journey.
“These are yet another set of reasons why the Prime Minister should stop us sabotaging a deal with Northern and why we will keep up the fight for a safe, secure and accessible railway with properly staffed stations and a Guard on every train.”
Richard Allan, Northern’s Deputy Managing Director, said: "Northern is modernising local rail with new and refurbished trains, better stations and faster journeys and, while strike action is disruptive, we remain firmly focused on delivering a better service for our customers.
"RMT continues to reject our offers to talk and we are disappointed that the union has called further strike action on Tuesday 3 and Thursday 5 October. We are still prepared to guarantee jobs and current pay for all our conductors for the next eight years.