Train strikes in first week of 2023 to bring disruption to rail network

RMT and ASLEF union members are walking out

Author: Karen LiuPublished 27th Dec 2022
Last updated 27th Dec 2022

Train users across Yorkshire are being urged to not travel in the first week of 2023 as strikes will cause disruption on the rail network.

Northern has issued fresh guidance saying action by the RMT and ASLEF trade unions will bring services to a halt from Tuesday 3rd January to Saturday 7th January.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “This is a most regrettable start to 2023 and we can only apologise to our customers whose return to work from the holidays will be disrupted by the action by the RMT and ASLEF.

“For many, Monday 9 January will be their first experience of our new timetable – which went live in December and includes an additional 3,000 services a week across our network.

“As such, we’re encouraging everyone to use the new ‘Check My Timetable’ feature on our website to see the changes specific to their local station.”

The industrial action taking place includes two 48-hour walk outs by the RMT on 3-4 and 6-7 January; and ASLEF members staging a one-day strike on 5 January.

Northern travel advice calendar Christmas and New Year 2023

Daniel Mann, director of industry operations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “No one wants to see these strikes go ahead, and we can only apologise to passengers and to the many businesses who will be hit by this unnecessary and damaging disruption.

“We would advise passengers to only travel if it is absolutely necessary during this period, allow extra time and check when their first and last train will depart. Passengers with tickets for between 3-7 January can use their ticket the day before the ticket date, or up to and including Tuesday 10 January.

"This dispute will only be resolved by agreeing the long overdue reforms to working arrangements needed to put the industry on a sustainable footing, rather than unions condemning their members to losing more pay in the new year.”

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