RMT accuses SWR of playing with words in guards' dispute

14 September 2018

RMT Press Office:

As next day of action goes ahead tomorrow RMT accuses SWR of playing with words in guards' dispute

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said:

“There's a simple solution to ‎this dispute and it means SWR stop playing with words and negotiate the guard guarantee that reflects the best safety practice elsewhere in the industry.

“SWR want to create a loop hole that would allow them to operate driver only at will. If they close that off there's a deal waiting to be done and I would ask them to get round the table with us and bolt it down as a matter of urgency.

“It is a disgrace that South Western Railway have opted to play for time throughout the RMT action rather than acting responsibly and sitting down with the union to work out a solution to this dispute that puts safety and the guard guarantee centre stage.

“That is the package we have successfully negotiated in both Wales and Scotland and on a number of English franchises. It defies belief that we are being denied the same positive outcome on the South Western Railway routes.

“RMT thanks the public for their continuing support for their guards and a safe, accessible and secure railway throughout this dispute.”

Ends.