RAIL workers in Carlisle remain determined to continue strike action well into the new year as their long running dispute continues.

Staff were on strike yesterday (December 13) and operating a picket line outside Carlisle railway station despite temperatures at well below freezing.

RMT regional organiser, Craig Johnstone said that workers didn’t want to be on strike but that it was a ‘necessity.’

“There’s multiple reasons why we’re still here,” said Craig.

“We’re on strike for our pay, terms and conditions, to avoid job losses, driver-only trains and to keep tickets offices open.

“Things have got worse not better during the dispute and the transport secretary, Mark Harper specifically added driver only trains to the deal as he knew the unions would reject that.”

Widespread strike action across multiple industries have been seen this year, with over 400,000 working days lost nationally in October alone due to strikes.

Strike action is set to continue this week with further days planned on December 14, 16 and 17.

The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said that the strikes by rail workers are 'very damaging'.

Mr Harper said he was 'very disappointed' with the RMT after rejected the latest pay offer 'out of hand' and that there isn't 'a bottomless pot' of money.

"A fair and reasonable offer has been made. We do also need to see reform agreed at the same time," he added.

“Our members don’t want what’s on the table and rejected it on an 85 per cent turn out with 2:1 against the deal,” said Craig.

"It’s not about morale amongst members necessarily, but even if you take away the pay issue in the face of massive inflation, the attacks on our jobs and conditions are just unacceptable.”

With strike action set to continue over the festive period and into the new year, Mr Johnston said that members of the public have been ‘supportive’ of the RMT’s strike action.

“The number of people who have donated to our hardship fund is amazing and I want to thank people who support and appreciate our hardship – we haven’t got a choice.”

Rail services will continue to be affected until the new year.