TRAIN stations across Wirral and Merseyside are silent today as three days of national strikes begin as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Merseyrail passengers will face further disruptions as no trains will run on Thursday and Saturday.

Merseyrail has confirmed today that no trains whatsoever will run on the network due to rail staff walking out on strike.

Despite the action, Merseyrail staff will not be taking part in the strikes but Network Rail staff who operate the systems and allow the trains to run safely will be.

Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, said: "With a fraction of the usual workforce available, including signallers who safely move trains around the network, unfortunately, it means no Merseyrail services can run at all on strike days on 21st, 23rd, and 25th June."

Although disruptions are to be expected, the operator has said it is unable to provide any train services on the days of industrial action taking place.

No rail replacement buses will be available, and passengers have been advised to make alternative arrangements.

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail said: "It is very disappointing that we will be unable to provide a rail service to the people of the Liverpool City Region on the 21st,23rd, and 25th June, because of three days of industrial action by some Network Rail staff.

"Our network is unable to function without the support of Network Rail signalling and maintenance staff who play a critical role in the safe operation of our train services.

"We share the frustration of our passengers regarding the disruption and inconvenience this will undoubtedly cause."

Merseyrail has also warned that while trains will still run-on days between strikes there will be knock-on impacts expected.

For first morning services on Wednesday and Friday replacement buses will be used with normal trains running again from 7am.

For updates, see: https://www.merseyrail.org/

Wirral politicians are among those backing the strike that has been called as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Passengers will face disruptions as no trains will run tomorrow (Tuesday 21), Thursday 23, and Saturday 25.

Merseyrail confirmed that no trains whatsoever will run on the network due to rail staff walking out on strike.

Despite the action, Merseyrail staff will not be taking part in the strikes but Network Rail staff who operate the systems and allow the trains to run safely will be.

No rail replacement buses will be available and passengers have been advised to make alternative arrangements.

Merseyrail has also warned that while trains will still run-on days between strikes there will be knock-on impacts expected.

For first morning services on Wednesday and Friday replacement buses will be used with normal trains running again from 7am.

Wirral councillors and Birkenhead MP Mick Whitley are among the 157 MPs, councillors and union representatives that have signed a letter of support of the strikes.

A solidarity rally will be held on Lime Street Station steps this Saturday at noon.

Other signatories include Tony Norbury, branch secretary of Wirral Cooperative Party; Karl Greaney, Independent councillor for Wirral; Jo Bird, Green Party councillor for Bromborough; Paul Martin, Labour councillor for New Brighton, Unite and Louise Reecejones, Women's Officer for Birkenhead Constituency Labour Party

The letter of support reads:

"We the undersigned wholeheartedly support the RMT union in their fight for a decent pay settlement, and to oppose any and all redundancies on the railways.

"Whilst Boris Johnson and his friends at 'No 10' partied and toasted one another's wealth, RMT members worked through the pandemic maintaining basic services and rail-safety.

"They are being repaid with a pay freeze and attacks on employment conditions. 2,500 jobs are also at risk across the regional networks.

"The RMT's fight for a fair deal is entirely justified. However, neither the government nor the rail companies are listening to reason.

"The union is saying 'enough is enough' and nearly 90% of RMT members participating in the ballot have said 'Yes' to strikes.

"Instead of entering into meaningful talks with the RMT, the Tories are resorting to smear tactics against the union in the media.

"They are also attempting to restrict the RMT's right to strike by imposing ‘minimum service requirements' during the action.

"We see this as an attack on all unions that must be resisted. This behaviour from the Tories only shows their arrogance, and their weakness in the face of the RMT’s determination.

"The industrial action will affect passenger and freight services. Glastonbury, the Headingley Third Test and major music events will be affected.

"We are appalled at the treatment of RMT members by Johnson's Tory government.

"We stand by the RMT in its current campaign, and we wish it every success in its fight for fair treatment for rail workers."