Merseyrail workers will strike again after talks with Liverpool’s Metro Mayor broke down.
Initial discussions between Steve Rotheram and the RMT last month were hailed as ‘productive’ by the union but a follow-up meeting has broken off.
Talks had centred on plans by Merseyrail to remove 220 rail guards from post in line with their introduction of driver-only operated trains from 2020.
A total of six 24-hour walkouts have taken place since March in protest at the decision with another three-day strike still set to go ahead on September 1.
Mayor Rotheram hosted talks between RMT and Merseytravel officials on Tuesday but the transport union have confirmed that all parties remain at an impasse.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It was made clear to us that the reason for axing the safety-critical guards on Merseyrail trains is entirely cash led.
“At a time when this company is trousering £16 million in profits from passengers on Merseyside it is disgraceful that they cannot find the £5m that it would cost to keep the guards on the trains, keep the public safe and maintain disabled access to these lifeline services.
“The question that RMT is throwing out to politicians across Merseyside is ‘Which side are you on?’
“The side of the safety-critical guards and the public that they protect or the side of the greedy private train operators who are making a killing at the passengers expense?
“Labour nationally has set out a clear policy of opposing the great privatised rail rip-off and the profit-led extension of Driver Only Operation.
“RMT has had fantastic support from a large number of Labour MP’s, councillors and local parties on Merseyside for our current campaign to keep the guards on our trains and we intend to build on that as we step up the pressure.
“The action starting Friday goes ahead exactly as planned and the fault for the widespread disruption it will create rests entirely with Merseyrail and with those who are failing to call them to account.
“RMT will not sit back while private profit is put before public safety and we are calling on the entire Labour movement to make a stand alongside us as we fight to force back these potentially lethal cuts.”