RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the government will impose sweeping changes to the railways unless his members continue to strike.
Mr Lynch spoke to the ECHO outside Lime Street station this morning on a day of national strike action by the union. Asked if he was annoyed the dispute between the RMT, the train companies and the government is still running, he said: “It’s frustrating, but if we don't take the action then they'll impose the changes without resistance. We've stopped them from taking jobs.
“They’re attacking our union, they're attacking the railways and our members. We've shown other workers that they can come out and fight.
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Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union walked out again today, leading to the widespread cancellation of train services. The union has been embroiled in the dispute for over a year, with no sign of a breakthrough.
Controversial plans to close most ticket offices have worsened the dispute. There were picket lines outside railway stations across England today, including at Liverpool's Lime Street station.
Mr Lynch welcomed the campaign against proposed ticket office closures, which Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram is backing. In our region, the union says 75 jobs could be lost as 18 ticket offices look set to close – all of which are currently operated by Northern.
Mr Lynch said: “Steve Rotheram, like other responsible mayors, is wanting to look out for all members of the public. We welcome the intervention of the mayors and we hope that continues and we hope to work with them going forward.”
The union boss also spoke positively of Liverpool, arguing that morale in the city is at a good level. He said: “You’ve had the Eurovision song contest, you've got Pride today, I hope the weather goes well for everyone taking part and everyone taking part.
“Our members are determined. We’re a united union. We want a negotiated settlement that will work with anyone. Our members keep voting for more strike action because they haven't got a settlement we can work with.”
Merseyrail services on the Northern Line and City line are unaffected by national strike action.
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