New Year's Eve Strike Announced on Local Trains
RMT add two extra days to existing industrial action on South Western Railway
RMT members demonstrate
The RMT union have announced two extra days of industrial action over the Christmas holiday period including New Year’s Eve.
Guards and drivers on South Western Railway (SWR) services are to strike on 27 December and 31 December. This is in addition to the strike already announced for Saturday 22 December.
Accusing the rail company of ‘appalling harassment’ of its members, RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said, “This latest phase of action in the long-running dispute on South Western Railway comes solely as a result of the companies intransigence when it comes to reaching a negotiated settlement that would underpin the guard guarantee on their trains.
“South Western Railway stubbornly refuse to make any progress at all in resolving this dispute, which is about safety, security and access on South Western Railway. The company are hell bent on opening up a loophole that would allow them to run services driver only at their discretion.
“Recent figures have shown a shocking surge in violence on our railways across the festive season and it is frankly appalling that South Western Railway are looking for a green light to throw the guard off their trains as and when they see fit in the name of profit.”
The union claim that SWR continues to refuse to engage in a talks process that could reach an agreement in the long running guards' safety dispute.
A SWR spokesperson said at the time of a previous strike, “We have guaranteed a guard to be rostered on every single service, and our growth plans mean more guards, not fewer. It is time for the union to stop spreading myths and causing misery to our customers and colleagues, and commit to resolving this dispute.
“If the union decides to continue with its unnecessary action, we will do everything we can to keep our customers moving and reduce disruption.”
SWR are providing live updates on services during strikes.
December 13, 2018