The RMT Union has instructed guard and driver members working across the South Western Railway network to take strike action later this week, but Island Line will be unaffected by this.
Trains across the region will be delayed or cancelled on Friday 30th, Saturday 31st, Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd.
Although the strike action will not affect the running of trains between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, those travelling further afield will potentially face issues.
A spokesperson for South Western Railway has said:
“It’s extremely disappointing that despite having a date in the diary for what we hoped would be constructive talks held in good faith, the RMT union has somewhat cynically decided to call further disruptive strike action, inflicting misery on our customers and colleagues.
“Only last week, we met with union representatives for the fourth day of talks in the last ten days and were due to meet the General Secretary of the RMT the very day before these strikes have now been announced for. We are struggling to comprehend what this endless strike action is really all about. The RMT seems intent on ploughing on full steam ahead with more strikes, showing little regard for our customers or the communities we serve.
“The RMT has always said it wanted us to keep the guard on every train which is what we have offered as part of a framework agreement. We want to move the conversation on to how we operate our new trains and take advantage of the new technology on board to benefit our customers. We remain committed to finding a solution that will help us build a better railway for everyone. We will do everything we can to keep customers moving during strike action”.
For more information visit https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/rmt-industrial-action.
Taking Guards off trains has never benefited customers, new technology has always been about profits. So, use auto checkout at the supermarket reduces checkout staff, smart meters means no meter readers. etc, etc. All good for shareholders. Ironically the kick in the tail according to big financiers in America, when you put “workers “ out of jobs shareholders ultimately suffer low returns due to the fact that the working class actually spend money on said services/shopping etc…….funny old World!