WORKERS on Arriva Rail North are to stage a series of fresh 24-hour strikes in the bitter row over the role of guards.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will walk out on three consecutive Saturdays, August 25 and September 1 and 8, following the failure of talks.

The union has been embroiled in a row over driver-only operation for more than two years and has launched strikes against four train operators still involved, including Arriva Rail North (Northern), which operates services on the Airedale, Wharfedale and Calder Valley line.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT committed to talks in good faith 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. Our reps know when they are being strung along and it’s that attitude from the company that has forced us to announce this action.”