RMT under fire over Easter action on commuter trains

Rail union bosses were criticised today for ordering four days of industrial action over Easter despite fewer than half of members voting for it.

The RMT expects the refusal to work rest days, and other action short of a full strike, to have a major impact on South Western Railway in the row over the role of guards and driver-only operation of trains.

A total of 358 out of 782 members eligible to vote backed action — 46 per cent.

But just 492 members actually voted, meaning a 73 per cent majority were in favour.

Under the law, fresh ballots for action must have at least a 50 per cent turnout. This one did, with 63 per cent.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said RMT leaders were “determined to bring misery to Londoners.”