Union votes to back ongoing strike action in guards guarantee dispute
UNION members have voted to back ongoing strike action in their dispute with South Western Railway over the future of train guards.
A ballot by the RMT resulted in 86% support for continuing walkouts, described as a “rock solid” outcome by union leaders.
Passengers in the south have faced regular disruption as the two sides argue over the RMT’s demand for a promise to keep “safety critical” guards on every service.
SWR, which runs services through the New Forest and Christchurch, has agreed to “roster” a guard on every train – but not to guarantee their presence in the event of staff sickness, for example.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash welcomed the result of the fifth strike vote, which by law must be held every six months to renew the mandate for industrial action. The union is now considering its next move.
Mr Cash said: “It is a disgrace that South Western Railway have yet again opted to play for time over the past six months rather than nailing down a solution to this dispute that puts safety and the guard guarantee centre stage.
“That is the package we have successfully negotiated in both Wales and Scotland and on a number of English franchises.
“It defies belief that we are being denied the same positive outcome on the South Western Railway routes.”
The last strike was a five-day walkout in June, adding to the problems facing SWR which is reportedly struggling to fulfil its seven-year franchise agreement profitably.
In response to the vote, an SWR spokesperson said: “We are very disappointed with the result of this ballot as we have been very clear that no jobs are at risk and we have offered a guarantee of a guard on every train as part of a framework to resolve this dispute.
“In fact, our plans over the course of the franchise mean we will continue to recruit and employ more guards, not fewer.
“The ballot result shows that many thousands of customers and colleagues could now be subjected to further strike misery at the behest of less than half our total guards workforce.”
He added: “It’s time the RMT union was honest with their members about what it is exactly they want given the assurances that have been provided by the company. The constant threat of further disruptive strike action is not fair on anyone.”
