What does a train guard / conductor do ?

I would love someone to sign in as Nicolas Parsons and declare "Argumentative"

There is a game called After Dinner Arguments-will buy a job lot from Amazon for all.

The Northern management have said and I quote ‘ come to a meeting with no pre conditions’That being the case,crack on and agree something rather than disrupt passengers like me who actually like the service.Whats the point of mediation when you have one party says’ ok to meet subject to you agreeing the following in advance’?

What will happen when driverless trains and buses are mainstream?

As for policing,that shouldn’t be the remit of a guard anyway.

Laffy wrote: There is a game called After Dinner Arguments-will buy a job lot from Amazon for all.

The Northern management have said and I quote ‘ come to a meeting with no pre conditions’That being the case,crack on and agree something rather than disrupt passengers like me who actually like the service.Whats the point of mediation when you have one party says’ ok to meet subject to you agreeing the following in advance’?

What will happen when driverless trains and buses are mainstream?

As for policing,that shouldn’t be the remit of a guard anyway.

So rather than a guard, you'd rather have one of those paramilitary goons that Northern are currently employing would you ?

And when Northern agrees to come to a meeting without having to carry out the agenda of the Tory government i.d be pretty sure they.ll agree to do just that.

Before you sound off NS,can you explain why there are no pickets on the newcastle to Carlisle line-unless they are all in Carlisle?Heard that from the conductor on the train just now.

Maybe all away shopping at the Metro Centre?

Laffy wrote: Before you sound off NS,can you explain why there are no pickets on the newcastle to Carlisle line-unless they are all in Carlisle?Heard that from the conductor on the train just now.

Maybe all away shopping at the Metro Centre?

Why would you need pickets at all the two-bit stations on the Tyne Valley line i.m pretty sure there.ll be a good turn out at both ends of the line at Carlisle and Newcastle tho but as I say I wouldn't even bother with that i.d just picket the depots during the night to stop the trains coming out in the first place.

No pickets at Newcastle according to the rather attractive blond stand in conductor you previously described as a paramilitary goon.I will ask her for a photo.

I know that guy on the right from somewhere.

Laffy wrote: No pickets at Newcastle according to the rather attractive blond stand in conductor you previously described as a paramilitary goon.I will ask her for a photo.

Read what i said Andrew i said would you rather have a guard or a paramilitary goon because once you get rid of the guards that what you.ll get clearly you.ve not had the pleasure of a run in with them yet.

Northern are so proud of them they won't publish pics of them and wo betide what happens if you try to photograph them yourself.

CCU wrote:

Laffy wrote: Before you sound off NS,can you explain why there are no pickets on the newcastle to Carlisle line-unless they are all in Carlisle?Heard that from the conductor on the train just now.

Maybe all away shopping at the Metro Centre?

The Guard Depots for the line are at Carlisle and Newcastle.

And before folk say “Theirs not many there”, I believe theirs strict conditions attached to a picket line these days, in terms of numbers and the like...

Carlisle:

RMT ✔ @RMTunion

Local disability access campaigner Angela Taylor joins the early morning RMT Arriva Northern picket line outside Ca… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

26 Mar 2025 09:46

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Newcastle:

RMT ✔ @RMTunion

Arriva Northern Picket Line at Newcastle this morning. Strike over safety.

26 Mar 2025 11:42

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Looks exactly as expected Dan. We were allowed 6 pickets per gate when we went on strike. A strike i may add that got us a improved deal with emphasis on the lowest paid workers getting a far higher % pay rise than the higher paid ones.

The reason picket numbers are restricted is of course for safety-the primary reason these guys are striking.Lets just say previous picket lines in other sectors became pretty hostile and obstructive places and we don’t want to go back to that.

As I say the best way to resolve this is to get into mediation without pre conditions.

I’m confused by your politics Barry-one minute you are encouraging me to dream up some tax avoidance structure to facilitate the Trust retaining 25.4pc, and I can assure you many have trod that path,next minute all aboard the strike action.It was in fact the Tories who tightened up group relief for tax planning to stop precisely what you advocate.

Everyone has a right to withhold labour-but the best way to resolve disputes is by mediation with professional mediators.Been there myself on civil stuff and it works if both parties want a resolution.

Laffy wrote: The reason picket numbers are restricted is of course for safety-the primary reason these guys are striking.Lets just say previous picket lines in other sectors became pretty hostile and obstructive places and we don’t want to go back to that.

As I say the best way to resolve this is to get into mediation without pre conditions.

[2]I’m confused by your politics Barry-one minute you are encouraging me to dream up some tax avoidance structure to facilitate the Trust retaining 25.4pc, and I can assure you many have trod that path,next minute all aboard the strike action.It was in fact the Tories who tightened up group relief for tax planning to stop precisely what you advocate.

[1]Everyone has a right to withhold labour-but the best way to resolve disputes is by mediation with professional mediators.Been there myself on civil stuff and it works if both parties want a resolution.

[1]I agree completely and maybe then you could have a word with your leader at number ten and her pitbull Grayson and have her remove the political pressure for DOO trains that they are exerting on companies like Northern to carry out on there behalf or don't you believe that if your franchise bid doesn't include a commitment to DOO it goes in the bin before the bidding even starts.?

2] Well there's yet another reason to get rid of the Torys and get a government in who actually believe in Fan ownership of clubs and who for a couple of million votes could well be persuaded to adjust the rules on the matter

Problem is Barry we are heading for driverless trains,cars, buses-that isn’t going to stop because of a strike.You will recall that there was a similar issue when trains moved to diesel from coal-with unions trying to retain firemen when in fact there was no fire to worry about.

Some routes on Northern do need extra manpower as pointed out by someone earlier.Security and crossings etc.But not universal.A better investment for me would be replacing ancient rolling stock.

The journey from Hexham to Carlisle was very pleasant today-train a bit busier but still only two carriages and only a minor inconvenience to most I suspect.That is why the union should take the high ground and offer mediation with pre condition-then if it goes pear shaped,there can be no excuse.

Laffy wrote: The reason picket numbers are restricted is of course for safety-the primary reason these guys are striking.Lets just say previous picket lines in other sectors became pretty hostile and obstructive places and we don’t want to go back to that.

As I say the best way to resolve this is to get into mediation without pre conditions.

I’m confused by your politics Barry-one minute you are encouraging me to dream up some tax avoidance structure to facilitate the Trust retaining 25.4pc, and I can assure you many have trod that path,next minute all aboard the strike action.It was in fact the Tories who tightened up group relief for tax planning to stop precisely what you advocate.

Everyone has a right to withhold labour-but the best way to resolve disputes is by mediation with professional mediators.Been there myself on civil stuff and it works if both parties want a resolution.

That didn’t happen where I work Laffy. The company came in and said that’s our final offer right away. 6 months of meetings and their position didn’t change at all. We then had a series of small strikes and they still didn’t budge the union then said the next strike won’t be the same as previous ones and they tabled a far better offer. Make of that what you will but they obviously just wanted to test the resolve of the workforce or they’d have still had to stand by what they’d been saying all along.

Laffy wrote: Problem is Barry we are heading for driverless trains,cars, buses-that isn’t going to stop because of a strike.You will recall that there was a similar issue when trains moved to diesel from coal-with unions trying to retain firemen when in fact there was no fire to worry about.

Some routes on Northern do need extra manpower as pointed out by someone earlier.Security and crossings etc.But not universal.A better investment for me would be replacing ancient rolling stock.

The journey from Hexham to Carlisle was very pleasant today-train a bit busier but still only two carriages and only a minor inconvenience to most I suspect.That is why the union should take the high ground and offer mediation with pre condition-then if it goes pear shaped,there can be no excuse.

You might think so I don't imagine two bus operators on one route one with drivers one without even if the without one was slightly cheaper I still think you'd have trouble persuading the great British unwashed to use it and once you had the first accident well that would be it would have hundreds of your driverless buses parked up.

And the same will happen if Northern and the government don't back down. The new trains will become available and sat in the depots because when shout comes to shout ASLEF will not go against the NUT in the north. But they really do have to get more militant as the strikes in their current guise clearly aren't having the desired effect and they need to either get more clever or more militant and start picketing the depots and control centres etc

You're addressing the wrong people tho Laffy its not Northern or the union that's driving this issue its your mates in number 10

........those ijut bully boys will need a few boucoup days off to take advantage it...........wxxxkers.


'Race goers told to plan carefully ahead of RMT strike on Saturday'




.....do they know why they are striking, or are these days off part of the new timetable ?

...you missed a DOO off !!

thesilentone wrote: ...you missed a DOO off !!

Union doing Northern a big favour striking today as they might just have enough guards and trains to be able to operate a reduced timetable properly

But I wouldn't bank on it #uselessbunchofcunts

I’m sure most will take the opportunity to top up their tans!

Several of the London RMT firm have taken second jobs, on zero hours contracts.

It does make you larrffff........

The good thing is, they a just about to be re-affiliated to the Labour Party, if they can agree what the word Socialist means........

Laffy wrote: I’m sure most will take the opportunity to top up their tans!

Come on Laffy. Surely you must know most workers don’t take going on strike lightly. At least in my experience they don’t.

There is no other Union in the EU who take more days off than the RMT (under the smokescreen of being on strike)

The reason for this is, they can afford to, as they are so highly paid.

When the loony lefty militant bully's say, Or'right lads, all out...it is like the Pied Piper, you can hear them singing '

Reminds me of the Peter Sellers film "I'm alright Jack" another example of the loony left causing suffering on their colleagues who can't get to work thereby losing money over their greed. Another reason not to vote for Corbyn
I await villifcation from said loony left. Bring it on !

Waltero wrote: Reminds me of the Peter Sellers film "I'm alright Jack" another example of the loony left causing suffering on their colleagues who can't get to work thereby losing money over their greed. Another reason not to vote for Corbyn
I await villifcation from said loony left. Bring it on !

Lets hope you never need use of a guard on a service that has them removed if thats your take on it marra. Im no loony leftie in fact id say its Northern who are loonies for trying to press ahead with doing away with guards when the overall cost is negligible. They just dont seem to want to back down. Obv doesnt bother you but if i travel on a train its nice to know theres a guard onboard should one be needed.

Unions with key workers-airlines,trains,firemen etc-they are usually the most militant simply because they can hold a gun to your head.

I travelled to Arran via train and ferry yesterday for a cycle round the island.The guard was largely anonymous-too hot to bother checking tickets and the doors were opened by passengers pushing a button.Amazing technology-a door that only opens when the train is stationary and after pushing a button.I wonder who invented it?

Surely it’s not difficult to sit around a table and resolve things without all this militant stuff which helps nobody.

Laffy wrote: Unions with key workers-airlines,trains,firemen etc-they are usually the most militant simply because they can hold a gun to your head.

I travelled to Arran via train and ferry yesterday for a cycle round the island.The guard was largely anonymous-too hot to bother checking tickets and the doors were opened by passengers pushing a button.Amazing technology-a door that only opens when the train is stationary and after pushing a button.I wonder who invented it?

Surely it’s not difficult to sit around a table and resolve things without all this militant stuff which helps nobody.

Totally agree. Look what happened at Sellafield though, the company wouldnt listen and wouldnt budge on their initial offer which they then imposed. Basically the only options were to either accept it or go on strike. The latter option was taken and the company came back with a fair 3 year deal which was accepted. Now if they didnt want to test the feeling of the workforce and didnt believe they would strike why wouldnt they at least improve their initial offer even slightly over a 6 month period before implementing it?. Sometimes a strike is the only option left available. I know we didnt want to strike but felt we had to.

DB, that is because the Union negotiators are hopeless...

It is impossible to negotiate with the RMT, it's political to them, there leader get's a kick out of ' London grinds to a standstill ' what a barmpot !!

The No2 is a republican bully boy, who should be jailed.

They have painted themselves into a corner, no politician would risk his/her reputation talking to them.......

wxxxkers !!

Dancingbear wrote:

Laffy wrote: Unions with key workers-airlines,trains,firemen etc-they are usually the most militant simply because they can hold a gun to your head.

I travelled to Arran via train and ferry yesterday for a cycle round the island.The guard was largely anonymous-too hot to bother checking tickets and the doors were opened by passengers pushing a button.Amazing technology-a door that only opens when the train is stationary and after pushing a button.I wonder who invented it?

Surely it’s not difficult to sit around a table and resolve things without all this militant stuff which helps nobody.

Totally agree. Look what happened at Sellafield though, the company wouldnt listen and wouldnt budge on their initial offer which they then imposed. Basically the only options were to either accept it or go on strike. The latter option was taken and the company came back with a fair 3 year deal which was accepted. Now if they didnt want to test the feeling of the workforce and didnt believe they would strike why wouldnt they at least improve their initial offer even slightly over a 6 month period before implementing it?. Sometimes a strike is the only option left available. I know we didnt want to strike but felt we had to.

I have never been on strike before but I would have gone the way that you did to be honest DB.

Only had to use Unions against unscrupulous employers who squirmed because their draconian views were jumped on and smashed by the union, the union bloke enjoyed every moment of it to be fair but it was an easy day out for him and I was just overjoyed that it got sorted.

DB In the seventies I commuted from Ascot into Waterloo when the guards then the driver's then the platform staff took it in turns to have walk outs pissing off thousands of fare paying customers off. It didn't work as we all managed to get there and back. They soon backed down as they didn't get the public support they thought they deserved.
& weren't getting paid. As has been mentioned it's political and the majority of the public realise that

Well if it is political all Northern have to do is call their bluff and say we’ll drop our DOO train plan and see what they do.

Or the union could drop their stance and see how it pans out. I don't believe that Northern haven't done this on a whim and deliberately set out to harm the traveling public. Unfortunately it's gonna run a and run. We could be be discussing this subject a year from now unless northern says sod it and packs the service in and they're all out of jobs. It's looking like stalemate at moment.

I’m old enough to remember the unions securing shoe leather sole allowances to compensate train drivers walking along the platform to their engine.Do we really want to go there again?

Get round the table and agree something which is sensible to both sides

Laffy wrote: Unions with key workers-airlines,trains,firemen etc-they are usually the most militant simply because they can hold a gun to your head.

I travelled to Arran via train and ferry yesterday for a cycle round the island.The guard was largely anonymous-too hot to bother checking tickets and the doors were opened by passengers pushing a button.Amazing technology-a door that only opens when the train is stationary and after pushing a button.I wonder who invented it?

Surely it’s not difficult to sit around a table and resolve things without all this militant stuff which helps nobody.

Well maybe if you got the Tory cabinet to stop forcing the issue and insisting on it they might be able to have constructive negotiations towards solving the issues

Which is what they've just about managed to do where the train company has been told by their paymasters the PTA in Liverpool to just ignore what Teressa is telling them to do and get on and do a deal and thats in the one company where you might say no guards could be justified a la the London Underground.

SilentOne - are a member of a union or do you work in a unionised workplace ?

Here’s one for both sides

I’m on the Carlisle to Hexham train-rammed and standing room only.So busy the guard can’t get down the train to check tickets and fares so for many of us,an uncomfortable though free ride, and of course safety goes out of the window.

At every level,this is a shocking state of affairs and it’s hardly a surprise to anyone in charge that it’s bank holiday weekend.

So, that's the response CCU....Tut tut ? says it all really.

Emergency Stop - Fire - Medical Emergency - Disabled Assistance.....

Where's all the usual excuses you use for having a Guard in this situation ?

I haven’t bought a ticket for years...

Conductors will be a big miss, hope the DfT see sense rather than savings.

No wonder Mick (I've go plenty of) Cash calls so many strikes....

The West Cumbria services are in a shambles, customer service is diabolical, does Mick Loadsofmoney Cash care - not one iota..........


www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/More-rail-str...a9cc-c17670469eb6-ds


"RMT union boss Mick Cash - whose union held the recent Southern rail strikes got £137,349."

How are disabled passengers meant to board trains when there’s no guard to set up the ramp?

Do you need any extra help traveling by train? Here is a quick guide of what you can expect from all train companies as a customer with a disability.
Helping you with your journey

You can book to get help at any station for any train journey.
The train company can organise for someone to:
• meet you at the entrance or meeting point and accompany you to your train
• provide a ramp on and off your train if you need one
• meet you from your train and take you to your next train or the exit
• carry your bag (up to three items of luggage as per the National Conditions of Travel
You can book help at short notice. Some companies may ask for up to 24 hours’ notice.
Rail services are now far more accessible than they were in the past and many disabled people are able to use the rail network without assistance.

Staff will help you if they can, even if you just turn up. Sometimes this might take a bit of time because staff will have other things to do, like dispatch a train or look after safety on the platform. If staff are not able to help you they will explain clearly why not.

Planning your train journey
Booking assistance will be simple. You only need to contact one train company and they will organise assistance for your whole journey. You can book assistance by phone or online with the company directly or centrally here:
• disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/travel-assistance/
• 0800 022 3720
• 0845 60 50 600 textphone/minicom
You won’t have to pay extra if you can’t buy your ticket before getting on the train due to your disability.
If the train you want to travel on is cancelled or delayed
You will never be left stranded; train companies will do everything possible to get you to the station you wanted to get to. If you can’t access a rail replacement bus, the train company will provide an accessible alternative, such as a free taxi to the station you wanted to go to.
If things go wrong
You can complain if your journey goes wrong and the train company will investigate it fully and fairly. You may also be entitled to some money back if there is a delay to my journey or something goes wrong.
Throughout your journey
• The train company will do all it can to communicate with you in a way you can understand
• Staff will treat you with respect and dignity
• Staff will understand your needs as a customer with a disability
• Trained staff will know how to use any company equipment that will help you with your journey.
National Freephone Passenger Assist Number: 0800 022 3720
Tell us your journey and we will forward you to the train operating company you need to book your assistance.
Textphone Free SMS Passenger Assist Forwarding Service: 60083
Text your requested journey from your phone and we will provide you with an instant SMS with the number you need to dial from your textphone unit.

Not at an unmanned station you can't dick head

Bluefox1963 wrote: Not at an unmanned station you can't dick head

As you obviously suffer from limited vocabulary I have copied the pertinent statement, put it in bold and if you don't or can't understand ask your Mam, Dad or carer......

You can book to get help at any station for any train journey.