Train operator announces contingency plans for strike action

Northern Rail will run a limited service on some routes during strike action called by the RMT union.

Northern Rail today (Monday 20 December 2010) confirmed that it will run a limited service on some routes during strike action called by the RMT union.

The train operator said it was “very disappointed” that the union had called for strike action after more than 60 per cent of the 976 balloted employees voted against the action or abstained.

Northern conductors who are members of the RMT were balloted over Bank Holiday terms and conditions.

The RMT has told Northern that the strike will take place on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December.

As a result, Northern will operate a revised timetable from around 9am until 6pm on both days, on the following routes:

Greater Manchester:

• Wigan – Bolton – Manchester Victoria
• Manchester Victoria– Rochdale
• Manchester Piccadilly– Glossop
• Manchester Piccadilly– Marple
• Manchester Piccadilly– Manchester Airport

There will be no Northern services on any other routes and replacement buses will only run on routes where there is already planned engineering work.

Passengers can find detailed timetable information is available from www.northernrail.org, staffed stations or by contacting Northern’s customer relations team on 0845 00 00 125 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950.

This strike action does not affect services run by other train companies.

Ian Bevan, Managing Director, Northern Rail said: “We are very disappointed that the RMT is going ahead with strike action when only 361 of 976 conductors voted for a strike.

“We have said all along that we will honour the existing agreements that we have with the trade union, and we are always willing to hold further talks.

“Our priority now is to ensure that our passengers have all the information they need to make an informed decision about their travel plans on 27 and 28 December.”