UK: June 21: Southern Rail conductors plan strike

Southen Rail conductors plan another strike: June 21

A union has called for another 24-hour strike by conductors on Southern rail trains in an ongoing dispute about the introduction of driver-only trains.

 

Southern operator Govia Thameslink (GTR) said it would implement a new role for conductors from 21 August, with guards no longer opening and closing doors.

 

The RMT union has said their current role is vital for safety reasons.

 

Members will be asked to walk out on Tuesday 21 June.

 

The union’s southeast organiser Paul Cox said: “It is not just about operating doors. Conductors will save lives in the event of emergency.”

 

Southern said the proposed strike would have a significant effect on services, with no service on many routes and only a limited service on others.

 

It has repeated its call for the RMT to engage in talks.

 

Meanwhile, rail minister Claire Perry has said the recent high level of sickness absence by Southern conductors amounted to a “work to rule”, which was “outrageous and unfair”.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36528579