No Merseyrail trains during three days of strike action next week

Merseyrail’s entire network will close on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week as thousands of RMT union workers walk out on strike.

Merseyrail are not one of the 13 rail operators whose staff are striking, but will not be able to run trains due to walkouts from Network Rail staff, who man signals on the network and provide essential maintenance.

Merseyrail said: “Unfortunately due to strike action by RMT members of Network Rail there will be no Merseyrail train services on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June.

“There will also be knock-on effects on the day after each industrial action date. On Wednesday 22 and Friday 24 June limited rail replacement buses will run until 07:00 and trains will be reintroduced from 07:00.

“There will be no rail replacement buses on strike days and passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.”

Merseyrail staff will not join the strike as a pay agreement was reached between the operator and ASLEF.

Northern has advised passengers not to travel between Tuesday 21 and Sunday 26 June and make alternative plans.

There will be no replacement buses or alternative travel provided on Northern.

Northern Trains says: “On strike days there will be extremely limited availability of both train crew and signalling staff and as such we will not be able to operate services on most routes. There will be no replacement buses or alternative travel provided.

“Unfortunately, as we will not be able to position our fleet how we normally would, the significant impact of the strike will also be felt on non-strike days. Therefore, we regrettably advise customers not to travel on any day from Tuesday 21st through to Sunday 26th June.’

“Where we are able to operate trains, services will be very limited, and trains will not start as early as normal and will finish much earlier than normal.

“You will be entitled to a refund for dates affected by strike action if not travelling.”

The RMT union says Network Rail plan to cut up to 2,500 jobs as part of a £2bn spending cut, while train operators have been subject to pay freezes and changes to the terms and conditions of their employment.

Four out of five rail lines in the country will be closed on strike days, the RMT union says.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said the action was “needless” and would have a “damaging impact”.