This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37628110
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Southern Rail strike: Talks planned as action continues | Southern Rail strike: Talks planned as action continues |
(35 minutes later) | |
The first face-to-face talks between the bosses of Southern trains and the RMT union are to take place later in a bid to avert further strike action. | |
The 72-hour walkout which began on Tuesday is due to go on until Friday, despite the RMT advising members to sign new contracts. | The 72-hour walkout which began on Tuesday is due to go on until Friday, despite the RMT advising members to sign new contracts. |
The union has held a series of walkouts since April over the role of conductors on Southern services. | The union has held a series of walkouts since April over the role of conductors on Southern services. |
Southern said it would continue to run a revised timetable on Wednesday. | Southern said it would continue to run a revised timetable on Wednesday. |
In a letter to RMT general secretary Mick Cash, Southern CEO Charles Horton said: "I'm prepared to free my diary... to meet and to show your serious intent, I would like the RMT to call off the rest of the strike action planned for this week." | |
Mr Cash said talks were a golden opportunity to break the deadlock and the union would be present at them. | |
Transport Focus spokesman Anthony Smith said passengers had "lost the plot as to what the original rights and wrongs of the dispute actually were". | Transport Focus spokesman Anthony Smith said passengers had "lost the plot as to what the original rights and wrongs of the dispute actually were". |
"It has become so bitter and protracted," he said. | "It has become so bitter and protracted," he said. |
Strike dates announced by the RMT: | Strike dates announced by the RMT: |