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Southern rail strike begins – live updates Southern rail strike begins – live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.09pm BST
12:09
London Mayor calls for TfL takeover of Southern
Transport for London executives should take charge of the Southern franchise to fix the problems that have blighted commuters, the Mayor of London’s office has said. In a statement sent to the Guardian, a spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said:
Thousands of Londoners and longer-distance commuters are facing further disruption as a result of this strike action. The Government should accept Sadiq’s offer of putting a senior team from TfL in charge of the GTR Southern franchise until we get a permanent resolution.
12.05pm BST
12:05
Commuters travelling in from Brighton and Sussex have borne much of the brunt of the strike action. This picture, tweeted early this morning, captures the scene as hundreds queued to get aboard the train to London.
Longest rail strike since 1968 has begun with special thanks to Southern Rail and the RMT Union... pic.twitter.com/fZTQtdaGvy
Updated
at 12.13pm BST
11.50am BST
11:50
Theresa May has condemned the Southern strike, according to this tweet by BBC political correspondent Chris Mason.
Downing St: "The Prime Minister strongly condemns the strike action. We are deeply disappointed." #southernstrike #southern
Of course, it’s hardly a surprise that the prime minister, who as home secretary expressed her desire to repeal the Human Rights Act, is no fan of workers’ rights either.
Updated
at 12.14pm BST
11.47am BST
11:47
The bookies are backing another strike on Southern Rail before the end of the year. According to Lee Power, PR & “mischief champion” at Paddy Power:
Incredibly, we make it ODDS-ON that there’s another 5+ day strike this year by Southern Rail.
A 2+ day strike is a whopping 1/20 on for this year.
While the odds on the 0729 Brighton to London service never leaving on time next year is just 7/2.
Oh dear!
Updated
at 11.47am BST
11.16am BST11.16am BST
11:1611:16
Another commuter belt MP weighs in: this time it’s justice minister Sam Gyimah, whose East Surrey constituency is firmly in Southern’s territory.Another commuter belt MP weighs in: this time it’s justice minister Sam Gyimah, whose East Surrey constituency is firmly in Southern’s territory.
Unacceptable disruption. Southern strike is damaging to the local economy. Who shuts the doors is not main concern for fare-paying commutersUnacceptable disruption. Southern strike is damaging to the local economy. Who shuts the doors is not main concern for fare-paying commuters
Last month Gyimah wrote to Charles Horton, CEO of Southern franchise-holder Govia Thameslink, criticising the “intransigence of both parties”. He says some of his constituents tell him their jobs are at risk because of the endemic delays to the service.Last month Gyimah wrote to Charles Horton, CEO of Southern franchise-holder Govia Thameslink, criticising the “intransigence of both parties”. He says some of his constituents tell him their jobs are at risk because of the endemic delays to the service.
Hat-tip to Isabel Togoh for pointing this out.Hat-tip to Isabel Togoh for pointing this out.
10.29am BST10.29am BST
10:2910:29
A few tweets from Tom Tugendhat, the Tory MP for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling:A few tweets from Tom Tugendhat, the Tory MP for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling:
This week's @RMTunion strike is unnecessary-no job cuts, no safety issues-it's just punishing commuters for going to work. #wrongThis week's @RMTunion strike is unnecessary-no job cuts, no safety issues-it's just punishing commuters for going to work. #wrong
Please @RMTunion sit down with @SouthernRailUK and stop making people's lives impossible. This strike isn't needed. There are no job cuts.Please @RMTunion sit down with @SouthernRailUK and stop making people's lives impossible. This strike isn't needed. There are no job cuts.
No @redhillfill I back neither. @RMTunion are being opportunist and I've already called for @SouthernRailUK to lose the franchise.No @redhillfill I back neither. @RMTunion are being opportunist and I've already called for @SouthernRailUK to lose the franchise.
Here’s a blog post from last month in which Tugendhat lays into Southern in no uncertain terms:Here’s a blog post from last month in which Tugendhat lays into Southern in no uncertain terms:
Govia Thameslink is clearly incapable of running a major rail franchise, and I would like to see it stripped of the Southern franchise immediately.Govia Thameslink is clearly incapable of running a major rail franchise, and I would like to see it stripped of the Southern franchise immediately.
I, and other residents in Tonbridge, Edenbridge and surrounding villages are fed up with the appalling service which is prevalent across its network. Jobs are at risk as a result of employees being consistently late to work, children are behind in their education due to arriving at school late and families cannot plan from one day to the next.I, and other residents in Tonbridge, Edenbridge and surrounding villages are fed up with the appalling service which is prevalent across its network. Jobs are at risk as a result of employees being consistently late to work, children are behind in their education due to arriving at school late and families cannot plan from one day to the next.
10.20am BST10.20am BST
10:2010:20
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
Our third diarist, Huw Merriman MP, is not commuting in to London during the parliamentary recess, but is attempting to make a journey across his constituency by public transport today when Southern have cancelled all services on several branch lines.Our third diarist, Huw Merriman MP, is not commuting in to London during the parliamentary recess, but is attempting to make a journey across his constituency by public transport today when Southern have cancelled all services on several branch lines.
He is recording a video diary of the ongoing journey from Bexhill to Eastbourne for a meeting, and on to Brighton, with not even a replacement bus on offer from the train operator.He is recording a video diary of the ongoing journey from Bexhill to Eastbourne for a meeting, and on to Brighton, with not even a replacement bus on offer from the train operator.
My rail diary on first day of #southernstrike #bexhill #battle pic.twitter.com/4YxXTLZjHZMy rail diary on first day of #southernstrike #bexhill #battle pic.twitter.com/4YxXTLZjHZ
My rail diary: second video on first day of #southernstrike #bexhill #battle pic.twitter.com/o50MEQiZlRMy rail diary: second video on first day of #southernstrike #bexhill #battle pic.twitter.com/o50MEQiZlR
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.59am BSTat 10.59am BST
10.16am BST10.16am BST
10:1610:16
With the morning rush hour over, it seems commuter chaos has not quite occurred – at least in London. As our passenger diaries show, people have had their journeys messed up but have attempted to plan around the disruptions, and my colleague on the frontline, Damien Gayle, reports that Victoria station is quieter than usual.With the morning rush hour over, it seems commuter chaos has not quite occurred – at least in London. As our passenger diaries show, people have had their journeys messed up but have attempted to plan around the disruptions, and my colleague on the frontline, Damien Gayle, reports that Victoria station is quieter than usual.
The fact that the strike is happening in the middle of the summer holidays may have helped.The fact that the strike is happening in the middle of the summer holidays may have helped.
But months of delays and cancellations have created a sense of solidarity among many Southern passengers, who have been venting their frustrations on Twitter at #southernfail. The disruptions have also given rise to a passenger campaign group, the Association of British Commuters (they’re on Facebook here), which organised the protest welcoming would-be travellers to “commuter hell” at Victoria last month.But months of delays and cancellations have created a sense of solidarity among many Southern passengers, who have been venting their frustrations on Twitter at #southernfail. The disruptions have also given rise to a passenger campaign group, the Association of British Commuters (they’re on Facebook here), which organised the protest welcoming would-be travellers to “commuter hell” at Victoria last month.
Let’s see how the evening rush-hour unfolds...Let’s see how the evening rush-hour unfolds...
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.00am BSTat 11.00am BST
9.54am BST9.54am BST
09:5409:54
RMT organiser Paul Cox is calling for Southern to be removed from the franchise, as he speaks to Damien Gayle on the picket line:RMT organiser Paul Cox is calling for Southern to be removed from the franchise, as he speaks to Damien Gayle on the picket line:
It's time for @SouthernRailUK to go, says @RMTunion's Paul Cox #southernstrike #RMTstrike pic.twitter.com/nkqD2Lqx9bIt's time for @SouthernRailUK to go, says @RMTunion's Paul Cox #southernstrike #RMTstrike pic.twitter.com/nkqD2Lqx9b
Meanwhile Southern Rail’s Twitter feed says the strike is “unjustified”:Meanwhile Southern Rail’s Twitter feed says the strike is “unjustified”:
Unjustified RMT strike, 8-12 August, over our plans to improve your journeys https://t.co/PjHj6OaCIjUnjustified RMT strike, 8-12 August, over our plans to improve your journeys https://t.co/PjHj6OaCIj
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.03am BSTat 11.03am BST
9.47am BST9.47am BST
09:4709:47
Damien Gayle has spoken to the RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, on the picket line at Victoria station:Damien Gayle has spoken to the RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, on the picket line at Victoria station:
We want to ensure there's a guard on every train says @RMTunion gen sec #southernstrike #RMTstrike pic.twitter.com/SDjKG0xinGWe want to ensure there's a guard on every train says @RMTunion gen sec #southernstrike #RMTstrike pic.twitter.com/SDjKG0xinG
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.01am BSTat 11.01am BST
9.36am BST9.36am BST
09:3609:36
Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
Whether you’re striking or your commute has been affected we’d like to hear from you. You can share your photos and stories by clicking on the ‘Contribute’ button in the live blog.Whether you’re striking or your commute has been affected we’d like to hear from you. You can share your photos and stories by clicking on the ‘Contribute’ button in the live blog.
You can also fill in our form or contact us on WhatsApp on +447867825056.You can also fill in our form or contact us on WhatsApp on +447867825056.
We’ll include some of your submissions in the live blog and in our reporting.We’ll include some of your submissions in the live blog and in our reporting.
9.27am BST
09:27
Gwyn Topham
We asked several Southern commuters to record a diary of their journeys to work when the company first instigated its emergency timetable last month.
Two of them have provided updates today:
Jonathan Ricketts, 34, Reigate
When I went to bed I checked the national rail app, which said there was a train at 06:48. Wake up early and see that it is not running. Go back to bed for a bit wake up to feed baby and then head for the 07:11 from Redhill to Victoria. Wait for 07:11 with friend from Earlswood as there are no trains from this station all week.
07:11 is absolutely packed, have one free hand to write. A couple travelling in together are split as one gets on but the other can’t fit on. Thirty-eight minutes is going to feel a very, very long time before I get off. Worse than a normal strike day (been three so far) as people can’t work from home as five days of it. A lot more busy than usual. Rumours that last train home is 18:35 so best check throughout the day.
Kate Hayes, 55, from Nutfield
As the Tonbridge line is shut completely during the strike this week, I rely on my husband to get me to Redhill.
0648 from Redhill to Victoria disappeared off the app overnight so husband got an extra 30 mins in bed. Drove me to Redhill where I caught the 0720 (pretty well on time), busy but not overly crowded. No seat though - but am lucky enough to get one at East Croydon.
0752: I am being held at Clapham Junction - stuck behind a train in front which has an “’issue”. People getting off if they can use Waterloo or “if they are in a hurry”! The train in front is apparently broken down, so now all of us are told to get off - and now stay on...! I arrive late but pathetically grateful in Victoria.
Updated
at 9.28am BST
9.16am BST
09:16
A couple of photos from Victoria station as the strike gets under way:
The BBC is describing this as the “longest rail strike since 1968” – nearly 50 years.
Updated
at 11.04am BST
9.03am BST
09:03
Striking staff from the RMT union have been handing out leaflets on the picket line at Victoria station explaining why they are striking – and Damien Gayle has got his hands on one.
The RMT says Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs the Southern franchise, is putting passenger safety at risk with its plans to remove conductors from trains.
Striking @SouthernRailUK conductors' reasons for industrial action #RMTStrikeSN #southernstrike @RMTunion pic.twitter.com/TAsfkfVVKQ
Updated
at 11.05am BST
8.53am BST
08:53
It seems the strike has actually improved things for at least one lucky commuter:
@damiengayle train was on time for once and there was a seat! They can strike more often, it's better than regular service
8.43am BST
08:43
My colleague Damien Gayle is on the frontlines of the Southern strike:
The height of rush hour yet Victoria station is eerily quiet #RMTStrikeSN #southernstrike pic.twitter.com/0NMP3DdNc6
Updated
at 8.45am BST
8.41am BST
08:41
The Reigate, Redhill and District Rail Users’ Association is placing the blame squarely on the RMT. They’ve released a statement:
The RMT leadership shows utter contempt to the rail users by ruining their daily lives for the honour of pushing a button to close train doors...
Last trains this week to Redhill are around 7pm, meaning that commuters and visitors alike have little choice but to cut their day short in London. GTR Southern and Thameslink will still be running 8 trains per hour to Gatwick straight through Redhill but are unable to plan a service to stop at Redhill.
This is the group that last month bought an ad in the Times modelled on the famous Conservative “Labour isn’t working” poster, with the slogan: “Southern rail isn’t working” and pleading with the government, the RMT and Govia Thameslink to resolve the problems.
Updated
at 9.03am BST
8.33am BST
08:33
Damien Gayle
Victoria Station, Southern’s main terminus, was quieter than usual on Monday morning. Just a few hundred commuters stood waiting as the tannoy announced cancellation after cancellation “due to a shortage of train crew”.
“Southern are sorry for the delay this will cause to your journey,” the plum-voiced announcer said unconvincingly (and ungrammatically) each time.
The 7.54 from Brighton arrived six minutes late and vomited hundreds of disgruntled looking commuters on to the concourse. Grim-faced, they streamed through the barriers at top speed.
Steve Mansfield was hurrying to work after catching the train from Haywards Heath. “There’s nothing to London Bridge so I’m here,” he said. “It’s another half-hour at least... we’re all absolutely bloody fed up with it to the back teeth.”
Brandishing his travel card, he added: “It’s a bargain for three and a half thousand quid or whatever.”
Memi Galiatsatou, a treasury analyst from Worthing, said: “I had to take the bus to get to Brighton. I paid £7 for a return ticket on top of my normal fare. It’s ridiculous.”
Asked about the ongoing industrial dispute, she said: “I think it’s ridiculous. It’s been two and a half months now. It’s getting out of hand. Someone has to do something about it.”
Martin Simms said he was forced to stand all the way from Three Bridges, Sussex, on his journey into Victoria. He said unions and management had performed poorly, adding: “they shouldn’t inconvenience the public as much as they have done. It’s taken too long. We are suffering.”
Updated
at 8.39am BST
8.32am BST
08:32
The RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, is blaming Govia Thameslink (GTR), Southern’s franchise operator, and the government for this week’s strike.
He said: “The strike action this morning is rock solid across the Southern rail network as we fight to put rail safety before the profits of the failed Govia Thameslink operation.
“This action has been forced on us by the arrogance and inaction of Govia Thameslink and the government, who have made it clear that they have no interest in resolving this dispute or in tackling the daily chaos on Southern.”
On Friday, RMT offered to cancel the strike if GTR would match a compromise the union reached with ScotRail. “They kicked that back in our faces,” he said.
“We share the anger and frustration of passengers and we cannot sit back while jobs and safety are compromised on these dangerously overcrowded trains.”
Updated
at 8.41am BST
8.31am BST
08:31
Southern rail’s CEO, Charles Horton, has been on the Today programme this morning saying he is “deeply sorry for the disruption to people’s lives” caused by the industrial action.
The RMT were “not prepared to compromise” despite three days’ mediation last week, he said.
Horton explained that Southern had offered the RMT a guarantee that where services currently have a conductor, it would commit to always having a second member of staff in addition to the driver, except occasionally in “disrupted circumstances”. But the RMT rejected this, which he said was due to the union’s “intransigence”.
“What the RMT are insisting on is that the control of the doors remains with the conductor, whereas we want to transfer that responsibility for controlling the doors to the driver,” he said.
Updated
at 8.42am BST
8.21am BST
08:21
Commuter misery looms for thousands in the south-east, as a five-day strike hits the troubled Southern rail franchise.
A bitter dispute between Southern’s operator, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union over plans to change the role of conductors and other job changes has led to the walkout, after talks at the mediation service Acas collapsed.
The service has been in the headlines for months as industrial action and staff shortages have hit services, exacerbating Southern’s persistent delays and cancellations, as well as overcrowding on the remaining trains. Last month Southern cancelled hundreds of services each day in an attempt to improve reliability on the remaining routes, while MPs on the transport committee summoned union bosses and GTR management to question them on the chaos.
Southern announced its emergency timetable will include 60% of its normal services this week, although some areas of Sussex will have no trains at all. The BBC has a useful summary of the services that will be worst hit.
RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said Southern is in “total meltdown” and the company’s plans to change the role of conductors risks passenger safety.
He said: “This action has been forced on us by the arrogance and inaction of Govia Thameslink and the government, who have made it clear that they have no interest in resolving this dispute or in tackling the daily chaos on Southern.”
GTR’s Angie Doll said the strike is “unnecessary, unacceptable and unjustified”, adding: “We have gone the extra mile with our compromise offer, but the RMT has made it clear they are not prepared to negotiate. They did not want to discuss the role of the onboard supervisor and remain rigidly opposed to evolving the role of onboard staff to focus more on customers.”
We’ll be following the strike as it unfolds this morning.
Updated
at 8.44am BST