Passengers have been urged not to travel on key routes across the North this bank holiday weekend due to strike action by conductors. that is set to cause significant disruption.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at TransPennine Express will walk out on Saturday and Sunday in a long-running dispute over pay.
TPE said it would only be running an amended timetable on both days, with a very limited service for those making essential journeys, and advised passengers to seek alternative transport to events including Jubilee celebrations over the weekend.
Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TransPennine Express said: “We are saddened that ongoing RMT strikes will mean we are unable to provide a full service for customers over such a special weekend, when celebrations will be taking place across the UK.
“With strike action planned for both Saturday and Sunday, coupled with major engineering work, our advice for customers is not to travel by train, and anyone heading to an event should seek alternative transport.
“Major engineering work by Network Rail will also mean changes for customers travelling across our North route, and we are calling on them to plan ahead and check their journeys.”
The RMT said TPE was refusing the conductors’ request to increase pay for staff coming in on their days off and Sundays and had offered more money to drivers.
General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “The divide and rule tactics of TPE bosses are disgraceful and they need to understand that our members will not give in until they have a just settlement.
“Conductors, like drivers, should be well-rewarded for their work on TPE and if management behave reasonably, we can suspend the action this weekend.
“What our members are demanding would cost TPE less money than the loss of revenue resulting from strike action.
“We urge TPE bosses to think again and meaningfully engage with RMT.”
