Jeremy Corbyn today endorsed another strike on the railways despite continued chaos triggered by the timetable shambles that has been running for weeks.
The Labour leader expressed ‘solidarity’ with RMT workers who walked-out today, worsening further chaos facing passengers on Northern rail.
The strike, part of a long-running dispute over driver-only trains, is due to continue until Saturday.
It has added further cancellations to the beleaguered Northern network, one of the worst hit franchises by the failed new timetable that rolled out on May 20.
Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today in London) endorsed another strike on the railways despite continued chaos triggered by the timetable shambles that has been running for weeks
The Labour leader expressed ‘solidarity’ (pictured) with RMT workers who walked-out today, worsening further chaos facing passengers on Northern rail
Mr Corbyn said today: ‘Solidarity with RMT Union Northern Rail workers on strike over threats to remove guards and conductors, affecting passenger safety.
‘We’ve seen crisis after crisis in Northern Rail.
‘It must be brought into public hands, and run for passengers and staff, not private profit.’
Most services were running between 7am and 7pm but with many cancellations.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘RMT members on Northern Rail stand rock-solid and united once again this morning in this long-running dispute which is about putting public safety and access before private profit on our railways.
‘RMT is angry and frustrated that, while we are making some progress in discussions in similar safety disputes, Arriva Rail North refuse point-blank to engage with the union in any meaningful fashion.
‘That is a disgrace and speaks volumes about the attitude of this company.
It has added further cancellations to the beleaguered Northern network, one of the worst hit franchises by the failed new timetable that rolled out on May 20 (file image)
‘Northern is an outfit that has chosen to declare war on passengers and staff alike through their profit-driven incompetence and we are proud that RMT members are standing up for safe and accessible rail travel for all in this week’s action.
‘It is ludicrous that we have been able to negotiate agreements in Wales and Scotland that lock in the guard guarantee but we are being stopped by German-owned Arriva from reaching the same settlement across the North of England.
‘I am challenging the company today to get their heads out of the sand and get back round the table.
‘RMT members at Arriva Rail North have shown extraordinary resilience and determination in the fight for rail safety and we thank the public for their continuing support and understanding.’
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘RMT members on Northern Rail stand rock-solid and united once again this morning’ (file image)
Regional director for Northern Sharon Keith said: ‘On each day of the strike action we will be running fewer services and expect those services we do operate to be extremely busy.
‘It is, therefore, vital that anyone thinking of travelling with Northern on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday plans their journey carefully.’
The union called off a planned three-day strike from Thursday on South Western Railway after ‘meaningful’ talks.