25.10.17
RMT announces nationwide series of strikes across six franchises
The RMT have announced further strike action across six operators over separate disputes.
In protest over what it deems as an attack on the role of the guard and the extension of Driver Only Operation, the union has confirmed strikes across the UK in November.
Members on Northern and Merseyrail have been advised not to book shifts on 8 November, and this is extended to the 9 November for members on Southern, Greater Anglia, South Western Railways and Island Line - the latest franchise to vote in favour of strike action.
RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, called it “ludicrous” that agreements had been reached in Scotland and Wales, but not with rail companies in England.
He said: “RMT is in no doubt that it is the dead hand of the minority Tory government that is interfering in these disputes to block negotiated settlements.
“It is outrageous that Theresa May and Chris Grayling are happy to stand aside and cheer on overseas rail companies that rip-off the British passenger to subsidise their domestic transport operations while throwing the guards off our trains.”
The union wants to be able to negotiate freely with contractors and achieve a “guard guarantee,” which Cash says will put “British passenger safety before the rank exploitation of our rail network by overseas operators who are laughing all the way to the bank.”
Responding to the announcement, a South Western Railway spokesperson said that it was “disappointed” by the decision to stage industrial action, calling the action “premature and unnecessary.”
They continued: "RMT bosses aren’t acting in the best interests of its members on the ground in SWR, who have said that our recent discussions have been open and productive.
“We urge the union to get back around the table to further discuss the issue so we can all agree on a way forward.”
Richard Allan, Northern’s deputy managing director, said: “We are prepared to guarantee jobs and pay for conductors for the next eight years if we can reach agreement on how our colleagues deliver better customer service using those fantastic new facilities.”
He reiterated that Northern remains “available for talks that are meaningful and clearly focused.”
Deputy managing director of Merseyrail, Andy Heath, criticised the union’s decision: “The union claims to be open to talks, but failed to respond to our most recent offer of a meeting.”
Greater Anglia train service delivery director, Richard Dean, said that the company is “disappointed” by the announcement.
He added: “We value our conductors highly and we have guaranteed their jobs until the end of the franchise in October 2025.
“In fact, we will be recruiting additional conductors, as we are replacing all of our trains with brand new trains from 2019, which will enable us to run more services.”
Top Image: Victoria Jones PA Wire
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