Hull trains strike for a month

Passengers might not be able to get on Hull Trains for the next few Sundays.

It’s due to planned strikes because of rows over pension rights. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport will be taking action.

Gary Jackson from the RMT for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:

"“90% of our members have voted yes for industrial action it's about the first group's intentions to close the defined benefit scheme pension for our members.

“Our members will be paying a lot more into the scheme and they will be getting not as much out of it in retirement, so what they’re currently on now guarantees a return of your input into the pension scheme when you retire whereas a DC scheme is purely based on stocks and shares.

“The pension scheme of all trains is not in any danger at all. It's one of the best funded railway pension schemes throughout the country and so we find it very strange that we're even having these discussions with the company. We understand that obviously Hull trains has hibernated three times throughout year and they need to try and obviously build the business back up.”

Andy Mellors, Managing Director, FirstGroup Rail Division, said:

“We are extremely disappointed with RMT’s decision to take wholly avoidable industrial action at a time when people have been looking forward to travelling with Hull Trains again

“We have been engaging with union representatives and consulting extensively with members about closing the Company’s final salary pension scheme since October 2020 and we have explained why we believe our proposals are essential.

“More recently, after additional discussions with the Trade Unions, we proposed further increases to the maximum level of company contribution up to 15% of salary.

“We have prepared contingency plans to run a near normal service and keep any disruption to a minimum. We would encourage all passengers to keep checking for updates on the Hull Trains website and social media channels”