Train
guards at 12 operating companies are to stage three 24-hour strikes next week
over safety responsibilities.
The
RMT trade union has arranged the industrial action for 28 March, 31 March and
17 April.
“We
allowed the operators a week’s grace after they approached us for more talks,”
said RMT general secretary, Bob Crow.
He
claims the companies plan to diminish the role of the guard and to extend
driver-only operation.
Strikes
are planned for 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.
Companies
already signed up to the agreement on the safety role of the guard are: GNER,
Island Line, Anglia Trains, Hull Trains, First Great Western, First Great
Eastern, First North Western and Chiltern Line.
