Rail jobs, staff issues and training

RMT puts forward settlement to end SWR strike

As the second week of South Western Railway’s safety strike commences, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has set out a 6-point strategy to a settlement.

The plan which was meant to be put forward at renewed ACAS talks that the company cancelled at the end of the last week. 

The six-point strategy proposed is as follows;

1. That every passenger train service will have an active safety critical guard onboard.
2. Guards will retain their safety critical competencies including an active role in the safe dispatch of trains.
3. If it is feasible every station and train will be 100 per cent accessible for passengers with guards playing a role in accessibility of services for all passengers.
4. South Western Railway will promise the role of the guard until the end of the franchise and seek Department for Transport commitment beyond the life of the current franchise.
5. That it is possible to create an optimal method of dispatch in which the guard has an active and defined role as well as being able to provide passenger assistance.
6. RMT identifies the company’s ambition to reduce station dwell times to an appropriately efficient and safe time. The current difference between driver-only and active-guard is 3-4 seconds and RMT will work with the company on this issue. This will include implementation of drive releasing doors and future implementation of Automatic Braking-Doors Open system.

General Secretary Mick Clash said: “As our members stand solid and united with this phase of SWR strike action entering its second week we are literally three seconds away from a deal that would achieve both our objectives and the companies and I would appeal to SWR to get out of their bunker and back into ACAS with the union to bolt down a settlement.

"A negotiated solution to this dispute which would cost the company nothing and meet RMT's objectives of protecting safety and accessibility is within grasp. I would urge SWR to seize this opportunity.”

Image: RMT Press Office