Date: 02/09/2017

Workers from three different rail networks staged strikes in a continuing row over driver-only operated trains. Northern, Merseyrail and Southern RMT staff walked out for 24 hours from midnight on Friday in the first day of industrial action. Further strikes are planned on Sunday and Monday. The RMT is also due to ballot members on South Western Railway, just days after the firm took over services from London Waterloo. Some of the worst disruption on Friday hit 20,000 people going to the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on. Arriva had run reduced services into the resort with the last train leaving the seaside resort before the ceremony began. The last train left at 19:40 BST due to limited staffing because of the industrial action.

External links

Rail strikes hit illumination crowds

BBC News

The industrial action affected thousands going to Blackpool for the Illuminations switch-on.