The RMT has accused the government of "blocking" rail resolution as thousands of workers walk out in the latest series of strikes.
Thousands of Network Rail and train operating company workers have walked out as part of the ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions. RMT members are holding two 48-hour strikes - today and tomorrow and January 6-7 - after formal negotiations broke down over the Christmas period.
Train drivers in the Aslef union are also striking on January 5 in a dispute over pay. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch yesterday accused the government of "blocking" any attempts to reach a settlement with the striking rail employees.
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Mr Lynch claimed the dispute was seeing "unprecedented levels of ministerial interference which is hamstringing rail employers from being able to negotiate a package of measures". The union boss added strikes would continue while members work towards a resolution.
This morning dozens of RMT union members were seen outside Liverpool Lime Street in the city centre. Union members brandishing flags and placards bearing the RMT's logo resolutely gathered outside the empty entrance to the station.
Speaking to the ECHO from the picket line, Darren Pilling, RMT regional secretary for the North West, said: "Here we are again. Brand new year, same old problems. Here we are trying to defend our terms and conditions and fighting for the future of the railway."
Mr Pilling claimed members are frustrated after being told by employers there won't be a non-compulsory redundancy clause within any agreement. He added: "You can't be looking for compulsory redundancies when trains are being cancelled because you don't have staff to work overtime.
"There's obviously a solution in there somewhere where we can have a meeting of minds to resolve the situation. But it's going to take some hard talk...Our members are resolute in fighting for their terms and conditions but I'm sure if we sit down like adults we can come to some solution."
Network Rail said its deal put forward to the RMT was "fair and reasonable" and urged the union to "sit down with us" and revisit it. And transport secretary Mark Harper told the BBC : "I would much rather they got off the picket line and got back round the negotiating table to hammer out a deal on reform and pay with the employers."
Rail passengers have been warned of severely disrupted train services with Network Rail advising services are only "for those that really need to travel". Liverpool Lime Street is currently being served by two trains an hour over reduced operating hours.
Merseyrail staff are not taking part in the strike action, but a limited service will run this week due to Network Rail signallers and maintenance workers walking out. A 45-minute service, calling at selected lines, will run between 7.30am and 6.30pm.
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