Train managers strike today at Chiltern Railways
RMT action at Chiltern Railways over driver-only operation plan
Last updated 24 hours ago
Train managers who work on Chiltern Railway are on strike today (12 Nov).
The 24-hour industrial action comes as a response to ongoing disputes over the proposed introduction of driver-only operation on East West Rail services.
RMT has raised concerns that the initiative would threaten passenger safety and undermine the existing role of Train Managers at Chiltern Railways.
Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of RMT, emphasised the union's commitment to maintaining current safety standards.
“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 while Chiltern management has failed to address legitimate concerns,” Dempsey said.
In response, Tony Baxter, Interim Managing Director at Chiltern Railways, expressed disappointment over today's strike action.
“We expect to run the vast majority of our services on that day, helping to minimise disruption for customers, and will publish confirmed timetables as soon as possible,” Baxter said.
Chiltern Railways maintains that they intend to work collaboratively with the RMT to resolve outstanding issues, ensuring safe and efficient service delivery on the new East West Rail line.