A demonstration took place on 29th March 2018 at Blackburn railway station supporting the retention of guards on trains, with a large turnout from Hyndburn Labour members.

Rail union RMT organised two days of strike action on Northern Rail over attacks on the role of the safety-critical guard and the extension of Driver Only Operation in the name of increased profits. The company snubbed union calls for meaningful talks.

The union demanded tripartite talks with the company and the DfT aimed at reaching a solution but has received no positive response to that call.

RMT has repeatedly pointed out that the move by German-owned Arriva Rail North to expand Driver Only Operation will mean nearly half a million trains running annually without a safety critical guard on board.  The union also pointed out that there is nothing in Arriva’s franchise agreement that requires them to axe guards from Northern trains and that the decision is wholly theirs alone.