22.09.17
Aslef and GTR once again close to ending DOO dispute
For the third time this year, Aslef and GTR are reportedly close to resolving their dispute on Southern services.
According to a statement posted on Aslef’s website, significant progress has been made between the two parties after discussions taking place between the union and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
The union has been locked in the feud with the TOC over the move to driver-only operated (DOO) trains since last year, and over the last few months have called overtime bans and strikes for its drivers working on Southern services.
“Further discussions between Aslef and GTR have taken place today and significant progress has been made,” a statement on the union’s website read. “We are now in the process of finalising a proposal for agreement.”
It also comes as fellow union RMT prepares to go on strike at the start of October on Southern services over the same issue.
Despite the positive news, this is not the first time an agreement has been rumoured between Aslef and the operator. In June, an overtime ban was suspended to allow talks to resume with the TOC.
And in April, an agreement was met by the union’s leadership, but in a vote was rejected by members by the slim margin of 26 votes.
Before that, RMT had also accused Aslef of “shocking betrayal” after the its leaders reached a deal to end the dispute.
Earlier this month, Aslef announced that it would stage a 24-hour strike on the Tube.
Top Image: John Stillwell PA Archive
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