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<p>The industrial dispute is a matter between Northern, its employees and their union
representative in which the Government cannot intervene directly. However, the Government
is keen for these strikes to end. They are having a big impact on the people and businesses
of so many communities across the North. The Government has written to the Rail North
Partnership (through which the Department and Transport for the North co-manage the
Northern franchise) expressing our clear support for a second member of staff on Northern
trains who is focused on delivering excellent customer service. Northern have now
confirmed to the RMT that there will continue to be a second appropriately trained
member of staff on board the trains, and have guaranteed jobs and pay will be protected.
The Government therefore continues to call on both parties to engage in talks and
resolve the dispute.</p>
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