More days of strike action to hit SWR half-term services
RMT members at South Western Railway are to stage a five-day strike, as well as taking additional action on every Saturday during November.
The move forms part of the union’s ongoing battle regarding the future role of the guard. In announcing its latest round of action, the union cited new figures released by the British Transport
Police showing an increase in violence on trains.
Staff have been instructed not to work on October 23-27, and November 3/10/17/24.
“South Western Railway has stalled the talks process, and has failed to provide any sort of offer that comes close to resolving this dispute which matches the widespread best practice in the industry, underpinned by the guard guarantee,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Cash.
“There’s a simple solution to this dispute, and it means SWR stop
playing with words and negotiate the guard guarantee that reflects the safety values of the agreements RMT has negotiated in other parts of the rail industry.”
A statement from SWR said: “The RMT has again decided to needlessly disrupt our customers and colleagues with more strikes over the next two months.
“The union has cynically chosen dates with the aim of targeting hard-working commuters, families enjoying the half-term holiday and sports fans, to cause as much misery as possible. We will
be doing everything we can to minimise this disruption.
“Our plans mean more guards, not fewer, and we have guaranteed a guard with safety-critical competencies to be rostered on all of our services.
Should the RMT proceed with these damaging strikes, we will do everything possible to provide as many services as we can.”
The strike action will not take place on SWR’s Island Line operations.
Meanwhile, RMT members at Northern have been instructed not
to work on October 27, November 3/10, as the union continues its dispute with the operator about the future of the guard and extension of Driver Only Operation. The announcement was made on October 12, the day before the 31st day of action.
Cash said: “RMT has secured agreements on other English franchises that enshrine the guard guarantee. Similar agreements have also been reached in Wales and Scotland. Arriva Rail North needs to do the right thing
and come to an agreement that secures a guard on their trains.”
Northern Deputy Managing Director Richard Allan said: “This is incredibly frustrating and disappointing, and is a further blow for our regional economy.
“The RMT changed its mind about what it would discuss between the first and second
meetings at ACAS, making it impossible to progress. We have offered to explore all options, including those RMT has agreed with other train operators, but they refuse to discuss these with Northern for reasons known only to them.” ■ Is there a way to break DOO stalemate? See pages 66-71.