NORTHERN Rail says it expects to run about 40 per cent of its normal timetable during strike action by RMT members.

The company said it had more than 100 trained managers and other colleagues who would be carrying out some conductor duties in order to operate a revised timetable on Monday (March 13).

It said it expected all services to be extremely busy and advised customers to allow themselves extra time to travel and consider whether their journey is necessary.

RMT members will withdraw their labour for 24 hours in a dispute over what the union says is the “safety critical” role of conductors, also known as guards.

It claims Northern has reneged on a previous guarantee that an additional member of staff – the other being the driver – will be retained in order to carry out operational duties, including opening and closing of doors.

Some firms elsewhere in the country have moved to so-called driver only trains, leading to similar disputes on their services.

Richard Allan, deputy managing director at Northern, said: “We have focused our planning efforts on maintaining a train service on our busier routes between 7am and 7pm, and are looking to provide replacement bus services on some routes where trains won’t run.

“We are acutely aware of the important role that Northern plays in keeping the north of England moving, would ask for your patience on Monday, and ask all our customers to individually take time to consider whether your journey is necessary and if it is, please plan carefully.”

Mr Allan said the company’s modernisation plans were still in their early stages so it was “disappointing” the RMT was taking strike action.

He said: “There is lots of time to talk and agree how we modernise the way we provide customer service.

“As part of our proposals we are prepared to offer guarantees on jobs and pay to our people.”