Northern and Merseyrail staff join Southern rail strike

Rail commuters across the UK faced travel disruption today after 2,000 train workers walked out over a dispute about staffing.

Staff at three rail companies, Northern, Southern rail and Merseyrail, went on the 24-hour strike, which was organised by rail union RMT.

The dispute centres around the government's plans to expand driver-only operated (DOO) trains, where drivers operate the doors to let passengers on and off rather than the guard.

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But RMT claims it's a long-term ploy to get rid of all train guards. The union has accused the government of putting passengers' safety at risk.

Today marks RMT’s 30th strike day with Southern Rail over the train provider's plans to introduce driver-only-operated trains but staff at Northern Rail and Merseyrail have now joined in.

The BBC reports that the strikes have created problems in popular commuter hubs such as Brighton and Milton Keynes.

Further services had to be reduced by Merseyrail, reports The Telegraph, due to fellow drivers refusing to cross picket lines in support of the strikers.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash says the response on the ground has been "wholly positive". Some commuters have taken to Twitter to express their solidarity:

However Twitter users appeared less sympathetic towards Southern, with #SouthernFail proving a popular trend.