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Southern rail strike begins – live updates Southern rail strike begins – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.57pm BST
13:57
Carmen Fishwick
Carmen Fishwick has been speaking to Southern rail commuters about how their journey, and lives, have been affected by the strike. For many it is the culmination of months of poor service from the operator.
“On my line 100% of trains were cancelled”
Simon Foulkes travels on the Southern service between Appledore to Ashford to access the high speed service to London. He said:
When Southern say they have reduced trains in an amended timetable to 80% service, on my line the number of trains in commuting periods was reduced by 50%. When they say the strike will cut 40% of services, on my line 100% of trains are cancelled.
My local MP took weeks to respond to me on the issue, ignored several follow up emails, and declines to meet me in Westminster where I work. I’d like to see the Tory MPs whose constituents are affected by this issue acting together to cut through the intransigence, and to address the background fact that the DfT is driving the dispute.
“People were stood on the toilets just to have space to stand”
Steve from Lewes, reports months of delays and cancellations. He is worried about the impact this is having on his job:
I wanted to get into the office today for some important meetings, and having started my job relatively recently not wanting to have the strike disrupt the progress I’ve made. For all employers can be sympathetic there is a responsibility for employees to ensure they can get to work too. In my 14 weeks in this job this is the third extended strike, which on top of the regular cancellations and delays could easily be giving people the impression I’m unreliable.
The only way for me to get to work on time was to catch a bus at my own expense to Brighton, and catch an over-crowded train from there, changing twice. What is normally a journey of an hour taking me twice as long. Already I’ve had to cancel a meeting later this week because changes to the bus service mean I can’t get to Brighton at a time where I can get a train getting me to London before 8.30. Relying on public transport has become impossible.
This is all on top of months of delays, cancellations and short formed trains. One day last week we had a 12 coach train reduced to 4 coaches. People were stood on the toilets with others crammed into the cubicle around them just to have space to stand. This is without the air conditioning working properly too. The week before that a woman collapsed on the train and I’ve seen people get off early en-route overcome with the heat and crowding.
1.46pm BST
13:46
Anger at Southern Rail is still simmering as we await the next bout of commuter chaos, forecast for home-time rush hour today. Here is a selection of some of the pithier tweets targeted at the rail operator’s Twitter account.
@SouthernRailUK you are a kind of insincere apology sandwich with bread made out of human misery arent you? #southernrail #southernstrike
Southern: "We don't need conductors."Conductors: "We're going on strike"Southern: "Cancel the trains! We need conductors!" #southernstrike
Dear @SouthernRailUK and @RMTunion : 🖕
@SouthernRailUK advice to commuters today... #southernstrike pic.twitter.com/UHKOsSQypH
My journey tonight will resemble this classic thanks to @SouthernRailUK I'm - Going - Home!! #southernfail #STRIKE pic.twitter.com/kKFs4PAhsx
12.55pm BST12.55pm BST
12:5512:55
Business is not happy with the RMT strike. David Leam, infrastructure director at London First, a lobby group for the capital’s businesses, has used an article in the Telegraph to describe the conductors’ withdrawal of their labour as “ludicrous, shameless and wrong”. He writes: Business is not happy with the RMT strike. David Leam – infrastructure director at London First, a lobby group for the capital’s businesses – has used an article in the Telegraph to describe the conductors’ withdrawal of their labour as “ludicrous, shameless and wrong”. He writes:
The underlying issue here is the prevalence of outdated working practices, which contribute to the high-cost culture of Britain’s railways. While Britain’s railways have been tremendously successful in attracting new passengers they have been much less so at improving their efficiency. Government studies have identified a 40 per cent efficiency gap when comparing our railway against other European countries, requiring passengers and taxpayers to pick up the bill. The underlying issue here is the prevalence of outdated working practices, which contribute to the high-cost culture of Britain’s railways. While Britain’s railways have been tremendously successful in attracting new passengers they have been much less so at improving their efficiency. Government studies have identified a 40% efficiency gap when comparing our railway against other European countries, requiring passengers and taxpayers to pick up the bill.
Reviewing the various assurances and commitments made to the workforce by the train operator and government dispels any notion that the employer is being too hot-headed. Rather it raises the question whether government is, in fact, being too timid. Is it really sustainable to go so far in addressing the concerns of a party that appears dead set against a reasonable negotiated outcome?Reviewing the various assurances and commitments made to the workforce by the train operator and government dispels any notion that the employer is being too hot-headed. Rather it raises the question whether government is, in fact, being too timid. Is it really sustainable to go so far in addressing the concerns of a party that appears dead set against a reasonable negotiated outcome?
Workers in all walks of life need to adapt and change as new technologies emerge. Modern trains no more need a guard to close doors than they need a fireman to shovel coal or be preceded by a man with a red flag to alert fearful passers-by. The RMT should stop pretending that the railway is somehow different and put an end to this damaging and ludicrous dispute. Workers in all walks of life need to adapt and change as new technologies emerge. Modern trains no more need a guard to close doors than they need a fireman to shovel coal or be preceded by a man with a red flag to alert fearful passersby. The RMT should stop pretending that the railway is somehow different and put an end to this damaging and ludicrous dispute.
Updated
at 1.42pm BST
12.50pm BST12.50pm BST
12:5012:50
A scan of the most popular Southern rail strike related hashtags shows plenty of tweets backing the RMT’s industrial action, or at least condemning Southern Rail for the service it provides to travellers. A scan of the most popular Southern rail strike-related hashtags shows plenty of tweets backing the RMT’s industrial action, or at least condemning Southern Rail for the service it provides to travellers.
Cheeky git Govia Thameslink CEO says only #RMT #southernstrike making trains unsafe this week when they're already overcrowded & stressfulCheeky git Govia Thameslink CEO says only #RMT #southernstrike making trains unsafe this week when they're already overcrowded & stressful
#southernrail are a frigging disgrace & thus I fully support @RMTunion in strike action #southernstrike#southernrail are a frigging disgrace & thus I fully support @RMTunion in strike action #southernstrike
Happy @SouthernRailUK is finally being exposed for all of it's absolutely tragic. Joke of a companyHappy @SouthernRailUK is finally being exposed for all of it's absolutely tragic. Joke of a company
I use railways all over the EUThe UKs is one of the worst in the EUMOST OTHER EU countries railways nationalised #southernstrikeI use railways all over the EUThe UKs is one of the worst in the EUMOST OTHER EU countries railways nationalised #southernstrike
Updated
at 1.40pm BST
12.35pm BST12.35pm BST
12:3512:35
The RMT has issued a statement condemning what it dubs “lies and smears” over the strike ballot, which have apparently appeared in a number of reports this morning, including the influential Today programme on BBC Radio 4.The RMT has issued a statement condemning what it dubs “lies and smears” over the strike ballot, which have apparently appeared in a number of reports this morning, including the influential Today programme on BBC Radio 4.
According to the union, 81% of 393 eligible members took part in the vote, with 306 - 77% - voting in favour of strike action. “These numbers easily outstrip the hurdles proposed for union ballots by the Tory right in terms of both turnout and the majority in favour of action,” the union says. According to the union, 81% of 393 eligible members took part in the vote, with 306 – 77% – voting in favour of strike action. “These numbers easily outstrip the hurdles proposed for union ballots by the Tory right in terms of both turnout and the majority in favour of action,” the union says.
The statement quotes general secretary Mick Cash as saying: The statement quotes general secretary, Mick Cash, as saying:
We are appalled that the BBC’s flagship radio news programme is recycling the lies and smears about our ballot. The turnout was over 80% and 77% of our total membership voted yes. That is a mandate the politicians could only dream of and to try and pretend that only a minority back the action as the BBC have this morning is disgraceful and shoddy journalism.We are appalled that the BBC’s flagship radio news programme is recycling the lies and smears about our ballot. The turnout was over 80% and 77% of our total membership voted yes. That is a mandate the politicians could only dream of and to try and pretend that only a minority back the action as the BBC have this morning is disgraceful and shoddy journalism.
A complaint has been lodged. It’s interesting that no one ever challenges the mandate of the unelected and unaccountable GTR [Govia Thameslink Railway] bosses who have unleashed havoc on their passengers for months.A complaint has been lodged. It’s interesting that no one ever challenges the mandate of the unelected and unaccountable GTR [Govia Thameslink Railway] bosses who have unleashed havoc on their passengers for months.
Updated
at 1.40pm BST
12.27pm BST12.27pm BST
12:2712:27
The skilful video editors on the Guardian’s news desk have done up my interviews with Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, and Paul Cox, the union’s south-east regional organiser, into a lovely package. They say the strike is all about the safety of passengers, and Cox adds that he believes it is time that the Southern franchise is handed to a new operator.The skilful video editors on the Guardian’s news desk have done up my interviews with Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, and Paul Cox, the union’s south-east regional organiser, into a lovely package. They say the strike is all about the safety of passengers, and Cox adds that he believes it is time that the Southern franchise is handed to a new operator.
12.09pm BST12.09pm BST
12:0912:09
London Mayor calls for TfL takeover of SouthernLondon 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 journeys, the Mayor of London’s office has said. In a statement sent to the Guardian, a spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said:Transport for London executives should take charge of the Southern franchise to fix the problems that have blighted journeys, 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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.16pm BSTat 12.16pm BST
12.05pm BST12.05pm BST
12:0512:05
(Correction: It has been brought to our attention that this picture was not taken this morning. The image is just being used as a general illustration.)(Correction: It has been brought to our attention that this picture was not taken this morning. The image is just being used as a general illustration.)
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.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/fZTQtdaGvyLongest rail strike since 1968 has begun with special thanks to Southern Rail and the RMT Union... pic.twitter.com/fZTQtdaGvy
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.13pm BSTat 1.13pm BST
11.50am BST11.50am BST
11:5011:50
Theresa May has condemned the Southern strike, according to this tweet by BBC political correspondent Chris Mason.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 #southernDowning 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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.14pm BSTat 12.14pm BST
11.47am BST11.47am BST
11:4711:47
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: The bookies are backing another strike on Southern Rail before the end of the year. According to Lee Price, PR & “mischief champion” at Paddy Power:
Incredibly, we make it ODDS-ON that there’s another 5+ day strike this year by Southern Rail.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.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.While the odds on the 0729 Brighton to London service never leaving on time next year is just 7/2.
Oh dear!Oh dear!
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.47am BST at 1.48pm 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.