South Western Railway strike to go ahead tomorrow as dispute with rail union rumbles on
Workers on South Western Railway (SWR) will strike tomorrow amid a dispute over the role of guards on trains.
SWR, which runs services out of two of London's busiest stations, Clapham Junction and Waterloo, will run a reduced service tomorrow, and has warned that some routes will have no train service nor a replacement bus service.
It has urged passengers to check its website regularly for updates.
SWR has been at loggerheads with rail union the RMT over the role of guards. The RMT says SWR wants to remove a number of guards which it says would jeopardise safety.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash today said: “SWR want to create a loop hole that would allow them to operate driver only at will. If they close that off there's a deal waiting to be done and I would ask them to get round the table with us and bolt it down as a matter of urgency.
“It is a disgrace that South Western Railway have opted to play for time throughout the RMT action rather than acting responsibly and sitting down with the union to work out a solution to this dispute that puts safety and the guard guarantee centre stage.
“That is the package we have successfully negotiated in both Wales and Scotland and on a number of English franchises. It defies belief that we are being denied the same positive outcome on the South Western Railway routes."
Earlier this month the RMT voted to continue action over the role of guards in a ballot.
An SWR spokesperson said at the time it was "extremely disappointed" by the ballot outcome.
"Guards have a major role to play in the future of this franchise, and we urge the RMT to come back to talks and help us find a way forward, rather than subject their colleagues and customers to further unnecessary strike action.
“Our plans to improve this railway will mean more guards, not fewer; and we have guaranteed to roster a second person with safety critical competencies on all our trains. A resolution is possible , but it will require talks not strikes.”