RAILWAY workers stood “rock solid” against Arriva Rail North this weekend, as a series of strikes begin.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the union’s members are “angry and frustrated” at the rail franchise bosses’ refusal to sit down and sort out a solution with the union’s representatives.

The German-owned company hopes to run half a million trains a year without a safety-critical guard on board, he said.

The strike, which is part of the long-running dispute over driver-only operations and the role of the train guard, was reported as solid across all depots.

“RMT has made every effort to get serious and meaningful talks going with Northern. But instead of making progress towards a settlement that matches the best practice in the rail industry, as negotiated elsewhere, the company have opted instead to play fast and loose, making a mockery of the exercise.”

The strikes will continue over weekends in September, though the union remains open to serious negotiations with Arriva.