RAIL UNION RMT said that members on both Northern and South Western Railway will strike again tomorrow as both companies have snubbed the latest attempt by the union to set up serious talks around the issue at the heart of both disputes – the safety of the travelling public and the guarantee of a guard on the train to deliver that safety along with security and access that should be the cornerstones of operating a modern railway.
RMT has written again to both Arriva Rail North and South Western Railway calling for serious talks – both companies have failed to even respond to the call, creating a stalemate which means the industrial action continues exactly as planned.
General Secretary Mick Cash said;
” RMT members will be taking action again tomorrow on both Northern and South Western Railway in the continuing fight for safety, security and access on our trains.
“It is frankly insulting to both passengers and staff alike that these companies have not even had the common courtesy to respond to the union’s most recent written call for serious talks.
“It is a national scandal that while other train operators have been prepared to engage seriously with RMT on the crucial issue of the guard guarantee both ARN and SWR have dragged their heels and made a mockery of the talks process to the point now where they refuse point blank to engage in any meaningful negotiations at all.
“It is crystal clear that the axing of guards is a cash-driven exercise aimed at shoring up profits on these rail franchises regardless of the public consequences. Both ARN and SWR are known to be in financial trouble but passenger safety should not be the price the public are forced to pay for the on-going rail franchise chaos.
“We thank the public for their continuing support and understanding that these disputes are all about safety and passenger service on Britain’s violent and dangerous railways.”
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