You will be aware that RMT has announced its intention to hold a further strike day on Friday 28 April.
As we have said in the media over the past few days, we are disappointed that RMT has called another day of strike action. More than anything, we are sorry for the disruption it will again cause our customers, but we have robust contingency plans in place.
On Friday we will be operating around 1,000 services between 7am and 7pm and we will keep as many people as possible on the move. As before, we are asking customers to plan ahead carefully and consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. A special page on our website gives specific information on the services we will be running.
In addition, more than 130 operational managers and other colleagues will be carrying out conductor duties to help operate the revised timetable.
To keep customers updated we have been communicating through a variety of channels.
These include:
- Distributing 200,000 leaflets to customers on stations
- Prominent posters at stations across the Northern network
- Adverts in print media – including press releases with service information
- Emails to customers who have registered to receive communications from Northern
- Supporting and engaging with customers through social media – with Facebook advertising to boost the reach of our social media activity, and
- A special northernrailway.co.uk/industrial-action page on the Northern website providing specific information on the services we will be running. An interactive map is also live on this industrial page.
Northern is at the start of a significant modernisation programme and everyone has a big role to play in bringing those plans to life. It is hugely disappointing that RMT continues to say no to change rather than working with us to develop our plans. There is so much to discuss and we are urging them to get back round the table as soon as possible.
