HUDDERSFIELD commuters faced a fresh wave of disruption today as rail services were hit by a third strike.
Services across northern England were crippled when conductors at Arriva Trains Northern began a 48-hour stoppage.
But there was a better outlook for travellers, as the company managed to run more trains than on other strike days.
Striking conductors belonging to the Rail Maritime and Transport Union were joined for the first time by station staff in the Transport and Salaried Staffs Association.
The ticket booking office at Huddersfield station remained shuttered today because of the walkout.
Station shops were also closed.
Passengers were advised to buy tickets from supervisors who were staffing trains.
Workers are angry after being awarded only a fraction of the 17.6% pay deal given to drivers last year.
Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, who joined pickets at Doncaster station, said the strikes proved that railway workers did not believe they were being treated fairly on pay.
He accused train operators outside London of paying less to their staff, which he said was causing bitterness and resentment.
Police across the country did not receive different pay, he added.
The normally moderate Transport Salaried Staffs Association was staging its first industrial action for almost 30 years.
Arriva said it hoped to run 700 trains and 500 bus services, almost 40% of the usual number, but union leaders disputed these figures.
The company said the pay rises being sought by the two unions were unrealistic.
The RMT is likely to decide on a change in strategy soon. A decision will be made on whether to ballot for "no fares" days, when conductors work but take no money.
