Rail Union, RMT, has confirmed that further strike action is set to go ahead on South Western Railway and their network.
The strike action is in the long going dispute over rail safety and the role of the guards on the South Western Railway network.
The action comes after the company confirms that they intend to roll out the Driver Only Operation on their trains.
South Western Railway members will therefore not be signing on for shifts between
- 0001 Hours and 2359 hours on Thursday 26th July 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 28th July 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Tuesday 31st July 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 4th August 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 11th August 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 18th August 2018
- 0001 Hours on Friday 31st August 2018 and 2359 Hours on Saturday 1st September 2018
What did the officials say?
RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said:
“RMT is furious that South Western Railway has deliberately wrecked a talks process set up through ACAS to try and find a meaningful resolution to this dispute.
“It was RMT’s firm belief that a deal could be done and an agreement reached like we have with other train operating companies but that requires a responsible and grown-up attitude from SWR. Instead, they have treated the whole process with total contempt and that is why we have no option but to confirm a further round of strike action.
“The issues at the heart of this dispute are safe and accessible railways for all underpinned by the guard guarantee we have successfully negotiated in Wales, Scotland and other parts of England.
“SWR have kicked that option back in our faces and are determined to put their private profits before public safety at a time of unprecedented and dangerous pressure on their services.
“RMT remains committed to the principle of genuine and meaningful talks in this dispute.”
Update: We have received the following from South Western Railway
A spokesperson from the South Western Railway has said:
“ We are very disappointed that the RMT has called for more strike action as we were engaged in positive dialogue with them in an effort to resolve this dispute, had offered further talks and were awaiting their response.
“We will do everything we can to minimise disruption to our passengers during this period of industrial action.”
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