RAIL passengers will again face disruption this month after union bosses confirmed a fourth strike in three months.

RMT members employed by Arriva Rail North, which operates the Northern franchise, will walk out for 24 hours on Tuesday, May 30.

The move follows a lack of progress in talks between the two parties over the future role over train guards, with Arriva keen to introduce at least 50 per cent driver-only operation on its services.

Mick Cash, general secretary at RMT, said: “The public, who support RMT’s campaign for a guarantee of a guard on their trains, will be appalled that Arriva Rail North has failed yet again to offer any kind of progress whatsoever in the talks and have instead opted to try and bulldoze through their plans regardless. 

“It is that flagrant disregard for the safety issues at the heart of the dispute which leaves us with no option but to press on with the campaign of strike action.

“The union continues to remain available for meaningful discussions with the company in order to seek a satisfactory resolution to the on-going dispute.”

RMT now has the backing of 15 borough councils from across the north in its fight against driver-only operation.

Richard Allan, deputy managing director at Northern, said: “It is frustrating for us and our customers that RMT has announced further strike action for Tuesday, May 30.

“We urge RMT to get back round the table with us for open-minded, meaningful talks on the role they can play in delivering the modern railway that people of the north want and deserve.

“We want to protect jobs and current pay and, as we have said before, are willing to offer future, annual pay reviews for existing conductors if we can agree a deal.

“RMT’s dispute will not be solved by unnecessary strike action – but instead by working with us to deliver the modern trains, services and stations our customers want.”