Guards
at 12 train operators have announced a further two 48-hour strikes in their
ongoing dispute over restoring safety responsibilities.
RMT
trade union guards will strike on May 6 and 7 and on May 27 and 28 to further
their campaign to restore the full safety role of the guard.
Eight
firms, including GNER and First Great Western, have already signed up in
support of the RMT’s stand over safety.
“The
employers know it will cost them nothing to settle this dispute, but they have
made no effort whatsoever to come to an agreement,” said RMT general secretary
Bob Crow.
“This
is a dispute about safety, pure and simple. The guard’s role has been watered
down and it needs to be restored – no ifs, no buts and no maybes.
“Our
members and the travelling public have the right to know that the safest
working practices are in place on our railways.
“The
employers have dragged this dispute out for years and our members have made it
clear that they will not be fobbed off with unkept promises," Crow
concluded
The
12 companies affected are: Arriva Trains Merseyside, Central Trains, Connex
South Eastern, Govia South Central, Midland Mainline, Scotrail; Silverlink,
Thames Trains, Virgin West Coast, Virgin Cross Country, Wales and Borders and
Wessex Trains.
