More Sunday services as union and rail bosses reach landmark deal to end North West railway dispute
The deal will allow Northern to begin restoring between 60 and 80 additional Sunday train services across the North West
Union an rail bosses have reached a landmark agreement to bring to an end the longest-running industrial dispute on the railway and pave the way for a more reliable Sunday service in the North West.
The deal means a seven day service can meet a growing demand from customers using the trains at the weekend.
Rail union RMT announced that conductors on Northern rail services overwhelmingly backed a referendum on a deal to end the long-running dispute on the role of the guard.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey congratulated all Northern Conductor members who took part in the dispute.
“The resolve of our members having fought for years, including multiple days of strike action, the efforts of all involved and the distinct change in direction from this government backing the deal has enabled us to reach this successful conclusion,” he said.
As a result, a new package of terms and conditions will be implemented later this month.
The agreement will allow Northern to begin restoring between 60 and 80 additional Sunday train services across the North West over the coming weeks, giving customers more opportunities to travel for work, leisure, shopping and days out.
Services will be reintroduced gradually, with a focus on supporting key events such as the Christmas markets and prioritising routes which have seen no Sunday services for more than two years. Around 230 Sunday trains will be restored by May next year.
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “This is a genuinely groundbreaking agreement and a hugely positive moment for our customers, our colleagues and the railway across the North of England.
“Bringing an end to the longest-running trade dispute on the railway gives us the opportunity to look forward and, importantly, start delivering the improvements our customers have been waiting for.
“We want people to have confidence that they can travel by train on a Sunday, whether they are going to work, visiting friends and family, heading into a city centre or enjoying a day out. This agreement gives us the foundation to build a more reliable, modern railway that works seven days a week.
“We know how frustrating the lack of Sunday services has been for many communities. We are committed to bringing services back as quickly as we can, taking a phased approach over the coming months and prioritising those routes and journeys where the impact has been greatest.
“I would also like to recognise the constructive work with the RMT in reaching this agreement. It demonstrates what can be achieved through working together, and gives us a real opportunity to move forward.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.