Rail staff formed a picket line in Newcastle as they continued the fight to protect their jobs.
Members of The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) plan to strike over four days this week. The walkouts are set to cause disruption for commuters returning to work after the festive break.
Rail and transport workers gathered outside of Central Station from 5am on Tuesday morning. David King, the RMT's National Executive Committee Member for the North East, said they are members are striking against the Government's plans to introduce a "faceless railway".