Union strikes back as Southern proposal hits snag

The summer of discontent continues as rail chaos resumed earlier this month. More strikes by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union were announced as their bitter dispute with Southern Rail reared its ugly head, leaving commuters in the Three Rivers area stranded yet again. What seemed like promising talks between both parties ended without agreement last month over guard safety and security, prompting RMT members to vote overwhelmingly for strike action the following day. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the parent company of Southern, vowed to move ahead with modernisation plans regardless. Angie Doll, GTR passenger services director, said: “We are guaranteeing jobs, pay and a second person on as many trains as we do today and also offered to work with the RMT to agree modern working practices to reduce cancellations and passenger disruption. The RMT’s position does not help our passengers at all.” Hear what else Angie Doll had to say, and more, in the September edition of My Croxley News, which will be distributed on September 9.