Train drivers’ strike ballot called off as hopes rise for end to Southern rail dispute
on Wednesday and Thursday next week — was still set to go ahead.
The dispute between Southern’s parent company Govia Thameslink Railway and the unions has been going on for months, with commuters caught in the middle and suffering repeated strikes, reduced services and cancel- lations. Unions oppose plans by GTR to increase the use of driver-only operated trains and change the role of guards, claiming some of the changes are unsafe and are being implemented to save money.
GTR, which began introducing the changes more than a week ago, says its changes will improve efficiency for passengers.
Drivers’ union Aslef had ordered a strike ballot , claiming a complete breakdown in industrial relations. The result, predicted to be heavily in favour of a walkout, was planned to be announced at noon tomorrow.
By law, a union must give seven days’ notice of industrial action — meaning Aslef could have timed a strike to coincide with the action planned by guards for Wednesday and Thursday next week.
This would have brought the vast majority of the Southern network to a standstill. However, Aslef confirmed today that its ballot had been “suspended”. It made no further comment.
It i s understood there has been considerable contact between Aslef and GTR concerning the legality of the vote. Aslef has already lost twice this year in High Court battles with the company.
A GTR spokesman said: “We welcome the decision by Aslef to suspend their ballot notice over a ‘breakdown in industrial relations’ and that it will not take any further action in relation to the ballot notice, or the ballot
“We are continuing to work with Aslef to address their concerns that led to the dispute.”
In the dispute concerning RMT station workers, GTR said it had withdrawn original proposals for st aff changes and instead offered a sixmonth pilot scheme at just eight stations using volunteer employees.
The company said the new offer had been made during a “very productive meeting” with union officials but was “perplexed” when the RMT hierarchy then rejected the deal.
Alex Foulds, GTR’s passenger services director, said: “To call a strike over proposals that no longer exist is a stunning own- goal by the RMT leadership.”