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From The Socialist newspaper, 21 November 2018
Arriva Rail North under pressure after nineteenth Saturday strike
RMT strikers on the Newcastle picket line, 15.9.18, photo Elaine Brunskill (Click to enlarge)
Paul Gerrard, Salford Socialist Party
RMT transport union members picketing Manchester Victoria train station on 10 November had an unusual visitor - and it wasn't Santa Claus. It was none other than David Brown, managing director of Arriva Rail North.
Most had never seen him face-to-face before, only on TV or in the company magazine, and certainly never at a picket line. He was respectful, friendly even: "We don't want bad feeling with employees, like some other franchises" he said for example.
After he'd gone, his visit was widely interpreted as a sign that Arriva Rail North are coming under real pressure. The RMT's switch of tactics - from striking mid-week, and regrettably hitting commuters - to striking on Saturdays, is paying off.
The commuter Facebook groups are back on side and businesses are the ones complaining. This was the nineteenth consecutive Saturday of strike action and the first to hit the popular - and extremely profitable - Christmas markets.
Rumour has it that Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, is jumping up and down complaining that Arriva Rail North hasn't settled this dispute yet. Pity he didn't take the union's side months ago and this dispute might have been settled!
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In The Socialist 21 November 2018:
What we think
Tories Out! General election Now!
May's government limps on... Corbyn and unions must call urgent, mass action
International socialist news and analysis
Spanish state: Over one million students strike against sexism and for inclusive sex education
Political turmoil in Sri Lanka
News
Even UN slams Tory poorhouse Britain
Housing arrears double, suicide risk soars - scrap Universal Credit!
75,000 kids in foster care - and counting: end cuts and for-profit care
Workplace news
Save the high street: public ownership, not ghost malls
'Worker's death could happen again' at Leicester plastic factory
Arriva Rail North under pressure after nineteenth Saturday strike
Indefinite dinner ladies' and teaching assistants' strike
Hamilton posties walk out against bullying
Tube strike solid against victimisation
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Save our NHS - oust the Tory wreckers!
Solidarity with Irish rape trial protests
Thousands march against racism - now Corbyn and unions must take lead
Mansfield council must step in to save miners' park
Stop Nottingham Labour's cuts to disabled travel!
Step up fundraising for the Xmas Collectathon!
Opinion
Nothing to offer from the Blairites
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