By Strike action disrupts TransPennine Express services
A number of TransPennine Express services are set to be disrupted due to planned RMT strike action in February and March.
According to a statement the provider is expecting to see “a significant reduction in available services.”
TransPennine Express conductors are planning to stage strikes from 00:01 – 23:59 on 27 February and 6 March.
This means services will be affected over the next three consecutive Sundays beginning on the 20th of February.
It is understood that an amended timetable will be in place on these dates.
Customers have been advised to seek alternative routes or to avoid travelling unless it is absolutely essential.
Conductors are striking after they were denied a pay rise.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “TPE conductors who kept the trains running throughout the pandemic have been left with no choice but to take strike action after being given a flat NO to their reasonable request to close the pay gap between themselves and other TransPennine workers by bosses who have mostly been at home throughout the Covid crisis.
“To add insult to injury Conductors on Northern Trains working alongside TPE Conductors have reached agreement for a small payment of 2p for a new method of checking tickets.
“Meanwhile, TPE Conductors have modestly asked for and been refused the same small payment for doing these checks.
“Our members refuse to be treated unfairly and will be continuing with industrial action until the pay discrimination is dealt with.”
Ms O’Brien, TPE customer experience director, said: “We will continue to review our strike response timetables and will seek to provide additional services where possible.”
Other service providers have agreed to carry customers who have tickets marked ‘AP TPE ONLY’ or ‘TPE ONLY’ for the duration.
Updates to follow.
