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Train strikes to disrupt thousands of SWR commuters as union declares five-day walkout over guards row

The five-day rail strike threatens to disrupt journeys for hundreds of thousands of commuters  - PA
The five-day rail strike threatens to disrupt journeys for hundreds of thousands of commuters - PA

A five-day rail strike threatens to disrupt journeys for hundreds of thousands of commuters from tomorrow as workers walk out in a long-running dispute over the role of train guards.

Some of the country’s busiest commuter routes will be hit by delays and cancellations throughout the week as a result of industrial action across South Western Railway (SWR) services. The franchise is used by around 650,000 passengers a day and operates routes between the South West and London Waterloo.

The walkouts, organised by the RMT union, coincide with the start of Royal Ascot tomorrow as an estimated 350,000 racegoers plan journeys to the Berkshire racecourse for one of Britain’s most popular sporting events.

The RMT suspended planned industrial action in February amid hopes of a breakthrough during discussions with SWR over the role of train guards. But the union is renewing strikes after accusing the firm of “dragging its heels” in months of protracted talks.

The RMT said the company was not prepared to give assurances that its new operational model would not move to driver-controlled operation, which sparked fears of a “stitch-up”.

According to the RMT, the train company pledged in February that “each passenger train shall operate with a guard with safety critical competencies”, which led the union to suspend industrial action. Union officials claimed that since then it had been “stalemate”, accusing SWR of “rowing back” on its public pledges.

Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary - Credit: PA
Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, said: 'Our members have been left with no choice but to go ahead with strike action tomorrow.' Credit: PA

Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, said: “Our members have been left with no choice but to go ahead with strike action tomorrow.

“They are angry and frustrated that, despite suspending action in good faith and entering into talks in a positive and constructive manner, South Western Railway have dragged their heels and failed to bolt down an agreement that matches up to our expectations on the guard guarantee. Worse than that, the company have refused to give assurances on the future operational role of the guard, fuelling fears among our members of a stitch-up.”

An SWR spokesman said the action was “very disappointing” and that it had met with the union last week and agreed to arrange new dates for talks.

The spokesman added: “Clearly, they have decided to target popular events such as Royal Ascot with this cynical action which is driven by internal RMT politics. The RMT has always said it wanted us to keep the guard on every train which is what we have offered as part of a framework agreement.

"We want to move the conversation on to how we operate our new trains and take advantage of new technology … to benefit our customers.

The company advised passengers to plan ahead as services were “likely to be busier than usual”.

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