Southern Rail and Aslef have agreed to a fresh deal to end strikes, but union members could still reject it
Southern Rail and train drivers' union Aslef have agreed to a fresh deal, finally resolving their row over driver-only trains.
However, it's not quite over yet. Aslef members still need to vote on the new terms, and the result will be announced 3 April. The union's boss is recommending members accept the deal.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, put the decision to union members, saying: "This agreement has the full support of the negotiating team and the executive committee and offers solutions to our concerns, as well as restoring the confidence of all parties, and the travelling public."
If accepted, the dispute between Southern and Aslef will be over, said the union and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the owner of Southern, in a joint statement.
GTR director Andy Bindon said: "It’s been an extraordinarily difficult period for passengers, staff and the regional economy and we are glad we’ve found a way to move forward together. We look forward to restoring good industrial relations with Aslef."
Talks between the two groups previously fell apart after 54.1 per cent of members voted against the deal.
Disputes between Southern and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union remain ongoing. At the start of this week, up to 2,000 RMT members went on strike, with walkouts on Southern, Merseyrail and Northern.
The union accused the train firms of failing to provide "cast iron" assurances about the future of the guard.