RMT union members plan strike action at Chiltern Railways in safety dispute
Train managers to stage a 24-hour walkout
Train managers are to stage a fresh 24-hour strike in a dispute over safety.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT)at Chiltern Railways will walk out on Saturday following a previous stoppage a week ago.
Chiltern said the vast majority of its services will run as normal despite the industrial action.
The union has accused the company of refusing to provide guarantees over the safety-critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members have already demonstrated their determination to defend the safety-critical role of the second person on board, and they will be taking further strike action this Saturday because Chiltern management has failed to address their legitimate concerns.
“Driver-only operation represents an unacceptable weakening of safety standards and threatens the vital role train managers play in protecting passengers and ensuring the safe operation of services.
“Chiltern Railways must stop ignoring the concerns of its frontline workforce and provide firm guarantees that safety-critical train manager roles will be protected on East West Rail.
“Our members will not stand by while passenger and worker safety is put at risk, and RMT will continue this campaign until those guarantees are secured.”
Tony Baxter, interim managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “We’re disappointed that RMT members have voted in favour of industrial action over how we intend to run services on the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
“Every East West Rail service will have two people on board — the driver, and a colleague looking after passengers: checking tickets, helping people who need assistance, and on hand to assist with any issues.
“We have run most of our trains with the driver in control of the doors for decades, safely and as approved by the independent rail regulator.
“It also means over 100 new permanent jobs at Chiltern, and no changes to the roles of existing colleagues.
“We remain committed to working with the RMT to resolve this, and urge them to work with us so passengers can start benefiting from this new railway as soon as possible.”