WORKERS from rail operator Northern – which runs services on the Wharfedale line – are set to strike later this month.

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members have voted to walk out on Monday, March 13, in a growing dispute over the axing of train guards.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “The union’s position on Driver Only Operation (DOO) is perfectly clear. We will not agree to any introduction of DOO and will fight to retain the safety-critical role of the guard.”

Northern said its “modernisation proposals” were at an early stage and that talks were continuing with the union.

It added that contingency plans were in place for any strike action and that revised services would operate.

A spokesman said: "It is a shame that the RMT has announced strike action.

"Our aim is to reach a constructive resolution and we urge the RMT to continue the talks we have already started.

“We want to protect jobs and pay and during our recent discussions we offered to consult fully with our people, customers and key stakeholders."

Tim Calow, chairman of the Aire Valley Rail Users’ Group, said he was "very disappointed" at the strike announcement.

But he added: "We are very keen to still see a second person on our trains on the Airedale line where services are busy.”