The introduction of Merseyrail’s new £500m fleet of trains has moved a step closer, after agreement was reached with the RMT union over guards.
Unions have agreed a proposal that sees a “Train Manager” installed on every train.
A new 777 train was spotted at Southport Station this morning.
The agreement means that Merseyrail is on target to roll out the new fleet before the end of the year.
RMT members voted 84% in favour of Merseyrail’s proposal. The union says the agreement protects 220 jobs.
However, agreement still needs to be reached with drivers union Aslef.
Merseyrail managing director Andy Heath said the agreement was an “important next step” but that “there are still several milestones that need to be achieved” before planned introduction this year.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “The introduction of a new fleet of trains on the Merseyrail network has been a long held ambition, but external issues such as COVID have delayed their implementation.
“This agreement reached with the RMT Union is another important milestone.
“Whilst the cost of living crisis continues, it is essential that public transport remains affordable and we attract more people to ditch the car to achieve our 2040 carbon reduction targets, which is a full decade earlier than National Government.
“We are committed to ensuring that local people are able to enjoy the new trains as soon as possible. There is an important lesson here however: it is only by getting around the table and working together in good faith that you can reach a negotiated resolution to these kinds of situations.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “We congratulate the dogged determination of our members to secure the crucial role of the onboard train manager.
“After a five-year dispute and 16 days of industrial action stoppages, our members have job security and can make an important contribution to the running of this new train fleet for the travelling public of Merseyside.”
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