Union gives Northern Rail ultimatum over driver-operated trains to avoid 'industrial unrest'

Members of the RMT union have given Northern Rail controller Arriva just one week to clarify its position on the controversial system, which has been at the root of the long-running dispute between staff and managers on Southern Rail.

Northern Rail ridiculed after train drives off leaving conductor standing on the platform

The union says that while driver conducted operations (DCO) are yet to be introduced on Yorkshire routes, it is a condition of the region's franchise agreement for the model to be introduced on at least 50 percent of services over the next few years.

And they are concerned the move to the new system could signal the beginning of the end for the role of train guards and conductors, which it argues poses a serious safety concern for passengers.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, RMT North East regional organiser Micky Thompson said it is too early to say whether the issue will result in strike action.

But he warned that “industrial unrest” seems inevitable unless assurances are received that the change to DCO will not place the sole responsibility for safety on the driver.

“We've given the employer a deadline of February 8 to give us a guarantee over... whether or not we are going to have a second person on the train and whether or not that second person on the train is going to have full operational responsibility,” he said.

“If [they] don't deliver by February 8, I'm obligated to put a report before my general secretary and executive council, and they will then consider what appropriate course of action to follow.

“We've offered a compromise... We're trying to be conscientious here, we're trying work with the employer.

“But what is happening is we're getting a third party – the Government - saying 'you do not negotiate with the trade unions'... It is inevitable that will lead to a path of conflict and industrial rest.”

The key changes introduced under the driver-control operation model is that the responsibility for opening and closing the doors on a train is transferred from the train guard or manager to the driver.

The rationale is that this frees up the second member of staff to focus on customer service, such as selling and checking tickets.

Unions argue that this increases the risk of “trap and drag” incidents in stations - with the threat of the second member of staff being phased out bringing further safety concerns.

However, recent reports by the Rail Safety and Standards Board and The Office of Rail and Road identified no increased risk from driver-controlled operations if they are “properly” implemented.

Responding to Mr Thompson's comments, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told this paper it is “simply untrue” that his department is obstructing negotiations.

He said: “Nobody in the department is saying to anyone: you cant talk. Nor would I expect them to..

He went on to condemn the threat of industrial action as “completely unacceptable”.

“Northern have no trains that operate without a guard... setting artificial deadline on something that hasn't yet happened would be a huge mistake,” he said.

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “We are in the very early stages of an ambitious programme to modernise rail travel for our customers which will deliver a safe, secure and accessible Northern network.

“These proposals have yet to be fully developed but we are committed to discussing how to bring them to life with colleagues, their representatives, customers and communities. We are pleased that we are continuing our talks with our RMT colleagues about the future.”