The long-awaited introduction of a new fleet of state-of-the-art Merseyrail trains has taken a huge step forward after a long-running dispute over guard positions was finally settled.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union voted in favour of proposals for establishing a new permanent position of train manager on the new Merseyrail class 777 service trains. This new position will continue the role of the existing guards on the new trains.
After a long-running dispute, both the union and Merseyrail have agreed on the new position. RMT members voted 84% in favour of accepting the company’s proposals in a ballot, the results of which were confirmed earlier this month. It brings to an end a long-running dispute that included a number of strikes over a three-year period.
