Southern Rail Strike Planned For This Weekend


RMT union to take further industrial action

Members of the RMT union are to strike this Saturday (April 8th). Southern says it plans to operate a normal Saturday service on all routes except between Clapham Junction and Milton Keynes. There will also be a reduced stopping service between East Croydon and Clapham Junction.

Despite hopes from all parties that the dispute would be resolved, yesterday (April 3rd) RMT general Secretary Mike Cash said, "There is no easy solution to this long-running dispute and Southern need to join with the unions in reaching an agreement that protects passengers and which recognises the safety critical issues our members have been fighting for over the past year."

Southern Rail Strike Planned For This Weekend

Meanwhile ASLEF, the drivers' union, also rejected a proposed resolution to the long-running dispute yesterday. General Secretary Mick Whelan said, "We understand and support the decision arrived at in a democratic vote by our drivers and will now seek new talks with the company and work to deliver a resolution to this dispute in line with the expectations of our members."

The RMT, the transport workers' union, ASLEF and Southern's parent company Govia Thameslink are locked in an on-going dispute about planned changes to the role of conductors, which would result in switching the responsibility for closing train doors to drivers.

The unions say that the move would be a threat to passenger safety and security, and that 400 guards could lose jobs.

Govia Thameslink says that by opposing the changes the unions are refusing to relinquish outdated working practices.

Southern says that during strike action passengers will be entitled to the usual compensation and refunds on trains delayed by 15 minutes or more. This also counts if you have travelled with another operator using your Southern ticket.

 

April 4, 2017