New December strikes on South Western Railway announced
There will be a South Western Railway strike on two more days over the busy festive period, further disrupting post-Christmas travel.
The walk out will take place between 0001 and 2359 on Thursday 27 December and 0001 and 2359 on Monday 31 December, the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) confirmed today.
This action is in addition to the 24-hour strike affecting the network on Saturday 22 December.
Industrial action has blighted the network over the past year and relates to the role of guards on trains.
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.
“SWR might think it’s acceptable to play fast and loose with passenger safety, security and access but RMT members, who have stood firm throughout this dispute despite appalling harassment from the company, will not accept a dilution of the safety regime on the railway.
“There's a simple solution to this dispute and it means SWR stop playing with words and negotiate the guard guarantee that reflects the safety values of the agreements RMT has pinned down in other parts of the rail industry.
“RMT remains available for genuine and meaningful talks.”
A South Western Railway spokesperson told The Independent: “We had already offered to meet with the RMT again next week to try and resolve this dispute. By announcing further strike dates, the RMT has shown it has no intention of finding a solution and is only interested in inflicting more misery on passengers as they try to enjoy the festive season.
“This strike action is totally unnecessary. We have guaranteed to roster a guard on every train, and we need more, not fewer guards. Should this strike action go ahead, we will do everything we can to provide the best service possible for our customers.”
