19 November 2025
RMT Press Office:
Rail union, RMT today laid bare the safety critical importance of a second person onboard train services after a dispute erupted on East West Rail.
Chiltern have informed rail unions of their plans to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the new stretch of line, despite RMT's long standing opposition to such a move.
Media reports via anonymous leaks have incorrectly suggested the sole reason for the dispute is over which member of train crew opens and closes doors.
There are a number of functions a second safety critical person performs onboard train services including, providing passenger assurance, deterring anti-social behaviour, coordinating responses to incidents, emergency evacuation and dealing with fires.
Following the mass stabbing on the LNER service at Huntingdon station, the safety of railway workers and passengers has been brought into sharp focus.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said:
"A guaranteed safety critical second person onboard a train service is essential for performing a range of functions and responding appropriately to potentially dangerous incidents.
"It is important we establish with any employer an agreed method of dispatching the train with the necessary safety critical skills and duties incorporated within the role of the second onboard crew member.
"What is clear from the appalling mass stabbing at Huntingdon is that quick reactions of the guard and other onboard crew in raising the alarm, meant that the seriousness of the situation was fully understood by control, signalling and the BTP, meaning appropriate action could be swiftly taken.
"There are DOO services that run on that line and if the incident had taken place on that type of service, it could not have been resolved as quickly, putting passengers further at risk.
"We need a clear commitment from Chiltern that they will not make their service DOO and a second safety critical member of staff will be a mandatory requirement for the service to run.
"Passengers rightly value having the guarantee of a second member of staff on their services and RMT remains steadfastly opposed to Driver Only Operation.
"Our members will take industrial action, if necessary, to defend the role of the safety critical second person onboard trains."
ENDS
Original Photo which has been amended:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/58415659@N00/52247861746/
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Tagged with: RMT, Eddie Dempsey, Chiltern, Driver Only Operation
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