Dispute over guards hits fifth rail firm

THE BITTER dispute over the role of guards and driver-only trains has spread to a fifth rail operator after another vote for strikes.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on Greater Anglia backed industrial action by 9-1.

The union has staged a series of strikes on Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Arriva Rail North, while workers on the new South Western Railway franchise are to be balloted for strikes over the same issue.

The RMT said Abellio, which runs Greater Anglia, had failed to provide the union with assurances over the role and responsibilities of guards.

The ballot result will now be considered by the RMT’s executive who will decide on the next steps in the dispute.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Greater Anglia have been given every opportunity to give a guarantee on the future role of the guards on their services.

“They have failed to do so and that left us with no alternative but to move to a ballot in the interests of rail safety.”