Train strikes confirmed for over school half term holiday

Industrial action by ASLEF and the RMT unions will bring fresh disruption to the region’s train services over three days next week.

ASLEF, who largely represent train drivers, will stage their action on Wednesday 31 May and Saturday, June 3.

As such, Northern rail advised customers to avoid travel on those days.

The RMT union, which represents roles including conductors and station staff, has announced its own action on Friday, June 2.

On that day, customers are advised to 'check before you travel' as only a limited timetable will be in operation.

Given the impact that strikes have on fleet displacement, early morning and late-night services on Thursday, June 1 are also likely to be affected.

The strikes are set to take place during the upcoming half term holiday for hundreds of schools and colleges across the North of England, which runs from Monday, May 29 to Friday, June 2.

For more information, customers should visit: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/strikes.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “We apologise, once again, for the disruption this action by ASLEF and the RMT will cause to our customers.

"This latest round of industrial action looks set to hamper people's opportunity to explore the region during the half term holidays. It's understandably very frustrating.

“We all want to see an end to this dispute and the uncertainty that on-going strike action causes to people’s confidence in the railway.”

On Sunday, May 21, Northern’s new summer timetable came into effect.