Train commuters are expected to face delays travelling to and from Andover station again today (Tuesday 31st July) as the RMT union holds the third of six 24 hour strikes.
RMT confirmed the strike action would go ahead today on South Western Railway (SWR) as the company refused talks on guard safety guarantee.
Speaking yesterday, RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said “RMT is angry and frustrated that once again South Western Railway are playing fast and loose with the union call for genuine talks around the guard safety guarantee and it is that pig-headed attitude which means the action goes ahead as planned tomorrow.
“RMT has made a very simple request of South Western Railway that they take note of what is going on elsewhere in the rail industry and come forward with serious proposals that give a cast iron guarantee of guards on their services and a halt to the rolling out of Driver Only Operation.
“It is RMT’s firm belief that a deal can be done and an agreement reached like we have with other train operating companies but that requires a responsible and serious attitude from SWR towards this dispute which is all about safe and accessible railways for all underpinned by the guard guarantee we have successfully negotiated in Wales, Scotland and other parts of England.
“I want to pay tribute to RMT’s members on South Western Railway who continue to stand firm and united in the campaign to put public safety before private profit on SWR trains.
“RMT remains committed to the principle of genuine and meaningful talks in this dispute.”
SWR have said a reduced train service will run on most of their network.
Other dates are:
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 4 August 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 11 August 2018
- 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 18 August 2018
- 0001 Hours on Friday 31 August 2018 and 2359 Hours on Saturday 1 September 2018
If you are planning on travelling today you can plan your journey via the SWR website page at www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/rmt-industrial-action/tuesday-31-july
