Rail workers set for industrial action

Rail workers embroiled in bitter disputes over the role of guards are to take fresh industrial action.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on South Western Railway will refuse to work any rest days from 16-19 February. The company, which runs services to and from London Waterloo, is one of five operators involved in long-running rows over staffing.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is frankly disgraceful that South Western Railway point-blank refuse to engage with the union in meaningful talks over their plans to run trains without a safety-critical guard on board.”

A spokesman for South Western Railway said: “We will do everything we can to minimise the inconvenience to our passengers from this unnecessary action.”