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Southern rail strike begins after court rejects appeal – live updates Southern rail strike begins after court rejects appeal – live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.18pm GMT
12:18
Rachel Obordo
People who gave up trying to get into the office have been telling us what it’s like to work from home, writes Rachel Obordo.
Rebecca, 24, from East Grinsted, normally commutes daily on Southern rail. She said:
I’ve had to stay at home today because I can’t face the stress and hassle, not to mention the additional cost and time loss, of finding an alternative route to my office in London. Not that a non-strike day is much better – yesterday my journey home took over three hours, with the majority of delays and cancellations attributed to ongoing industrial action.
Unfortunately my workload doesn’t disappear just because I can’t be in the office. This is far from ideal in the run-up to Christmas. The stress and anxiety this dispute is causing passengers is shameful. I feel for tourists visiting the UK who are met with this turmoil and are unprepared to make alternative arrangements, and for passengers with disabilities, or those more vulnerable, who have to put up with chaos and dangerous conditions on a daily basis.
Luckily for Lee, an understanding employer means working from home is not really an issue.
Working from home.....again.
Whilst its a pain in the backside not being in the office I can think of worse things to be doing than sat at home with endless tea and cake, plus I also get compensation from Southern every time they decide to strike so its not all bad. I'm just glad my employer is flexible enough to allow me to work from home which has become a regular occurrence.
Sent via Guardian Witness
By Lee Martindale
13 December 2016, 10:23
But, for Fiona and her partner, working from home has been tricky.
Updated
at 12.33pm GMT
12.14pm GMT12.14pm GMT
12:1412:14
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
Under Southern plans drivers will be solely responsible for the safety of of up to 1,500 people, according to Aslef’s Graham Morris. Under Southern plans drivers will be solely responsible for the safety of up to 1,500 people, according to Aslef’s Graham Morris.
Speaking to Damien Gayle he said that level of responsibility as well as driving the train is “unacceptable.” Speaking to Damien Gayle he said that level of responsibility as well as driving the train is “unacceptable”.
He added: “This is about them saving money.”He added: “This is about them saving money.”
#southernstrike Graham Morris, @ASLEFunion district organiser, on why his members are striking pic.twitter.com/2G8y5hGlUX#southernstrike Graham Morris, @ASLEFunion district organiser, on why his members are striking pic.twitter.com/2G8y5hGlUX
Updated
at 12.31pm GMT
12.08pm GMT12.08pm GMT
12:0812:08
Southern has confirmed that none of its trains are operating today because of the strike. Passengers are advised not to travel, it says.Southern has confirmed that none of its trains are operating today because of the strike. Passengers are advised not to travel, it says.
This map shows the lines hit:This map shows the lines hit:
11.59am GMT11.59am GMT
11:5911:59
Google Trends has a list of the top five Southern Rail related queries on its search engine. Google Trends has a list of the top five Southern rail related queries on its search engine.
"Which trains are affected by the #southernstrike?" Top UK questions on @SouthernRailUK in the last 24 hours #southernrail pic.twitter.com/bGXma6YzMh"Which trains are affected by the #southernstrike?" Top UK questions on @SouthernRailUK in the last 24 hours #southernrail pic.twitter.com/bGXma6YzMh
Updated
at 12.30pm GMT
11.55am GMT11.55am GMT
11:5511:55
Mark Colombini, Aslef executive committee member for south London and the South East, has been outlining the safety concerns behind the strike. Speaking to Damien Gayle he said: Mark Colombini, Aslef executive committee member for south London and the south-east, has been outlining the safety concerns behind the strike. Speaking to Damien Gayle he said:
“It’s important to understand that it would be quite a crass oversimplification of the dispute to boil it down to one issue. It’s important to understand that it would be quite a crass oversimplification of the dispute to boil it down to one issue.
It’s multifaceted but safety is certainly one of the key factors and that’s in terms of operational safety of the railway. At the moment we have trains that are dispatched by the guard or conductor and the guard is responsible for monitoring the safe dispatch of those trains. It’s multifaceted, but safety is certainly one of the key factors and that’s in terms of operational safety of the railway. At the moment we have trains that are dispatched by the guard or conductor and the guard is responsible for monitoring the safe dispatch of those trains.
“The guard will ensure it is safe to dispatch those trains and will tell the driver it’s safe to do so. The guard will ensure it is safe to dispatch those trains and will tell the driver it’s safe to do so.
“What they are looking to do under driver only operation is to transfer those duties to the driver so the driver would have full responsibility for dispatching the train. How that would work is that there are bodyside cameras that view down the side of the train and the driver would have to view down a set of monitors to check all the doors. What they are looking to do under driver-only operation is to transfer those duties to the driver so the driver would have full responsibility for dispatching the train. How that would work is that there are bodyside cameras that view down the side of the train and the driver would have to view down a set of monitors to check all the doors.
“There are issues relating to that because, particularly with very long formations of coaches, effectively 24 sets of doors, for the driver to do that in a short period of time. The images produced by the bodyside cameras are really unreliable, particularly in poor lighting, whether that be at night or just dusk or when it’s overcast, particularly in the rain - even light drizzle has caused some of the images to be really poor. That’s quite clearly an unsafe method of operation. There are issues relating to that because, particularly with very long formations of coaches, effectively 24 sets of doors, for the driver to do that in a short period of time. The images produced by the bodyside cameras are really unreliable, particularly in poor lighting, whether that be at night or just dusk or when it’s overcast, particularly in the rain – even light drizzle has caused some of the images to be really poor. That’s quite clearly an unsafe method of operation.
“The other thing of course, in terms of safety, is that the guard performs other safety duties, for example at a time when a driver might become incapacitated, particularly looking at worst case scenarios like in a train crash. The other thing of course, in terms of safety, is that the guard performs other safety duties, for example at a time when a driver might become incapacitated, particularly looking at worst case scenarios like in a train crash.
“The reality of a train crash is that the driver is often the first casualty; who is in place to ensure that safety duties are being conducted? The reality of a train crash is that the driver is often the first casualty; who is in place to ensure that safety duties are being conducted?
“That’s the safety angle, but there is also a customer service issue. If you think about access for the disabled, there might be a Good Samaritan to help someone in a wheelchair on board, but not necessarily. What Southern have said is that they expect people with a disability to give them advance notice so there can be someone at the station. I think they have said 48 hours notice. That’s frankly discrimination. I would suggest that’s contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act.” That’s the safety angle, but there is also a customer service issue. If you think about access for the disabled, there might be a Good Samaritan to help someone in a wheelchair on board, but not necessarily. What Southern have said is that they expect people with a disability to give them advance notice so there can be someone at the station. I think they have said 48 hours notice. That’s frankly discrimination. I would suggest that’s contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act.
Updated
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11.48am GMT11.48am GMT
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Here’s a summary of what’s happened so far:Here’s a summary of what’s happened so far:
Updated
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11.29am GMT11.29am GMT
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Tory MP Nick Herbert, who represents many Southern commuters as MP for Arundel and South Downs, has backed measures to end strikes on the rail network.Tory MP Nick Herbert, who represents many Southern commuters as MP for Arundel and South Downs, has backed measures to end strikes on the rail network.
Speaking to BBC News he said: “We should look at what more can be done to prevent essential public services being disrupted in this way. It is deeply unfair on the travelling public and something really has got to be done about it.”Speaking to BBC News he said: “We should look at what more can be done to prevent essential public services being disrupted in this way. It is deeply unfair on the travelling public and something really has got to be done about it.”
When it was pointed out that banning strikes would flout human rights laws, Herbert said:When it was pointed out that banning strikes would flout human rights laws, Herbert said:
There are a range of things that could be looked at. For instance it might be possible to have some kind of ‘no strike’ agreement in return for compensation, or some kind of arrangement for binding arbitration on pay claims. There are options and they should be looked at, because what he have here is a few hundred militant staff effectively bringing a key public service to a standstill on a completely unreasonable demand.There are a range of things that could be looked at. For instance it might be possible to have some kind of ‘no strike’ agreement in return for compensation, or some kind of arrangement for binding arbitration on pay claims. There are options and they should be looked at, because what he have here is a few hundred militant staff effectively bringing a key public service to a standstill on a completely unreasonable demand.
The former home office minister added: “Their claim is bogus, it is a political campaign. That’s why the government does need to look at the options for dealing with it.”The former home office minister added: “Their claim is bogus, it is a political campaign. That’s why the government does need to look at the options for dealing with it.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.56am GMTat 11.56am GMT
11.13am GMT11.13am GMT
11:1311:13
The Association of British Commuters has set out its demands ahead of Thursday’s protest outside the Department for Transport.The Association of British Commuters has set out its demands ahead of Thursday’s protest outside the Department for Transport.
It has three main demands:It has three main demands:
If these can’t be met it is calling on Grayling to resign.If these can’t be met it is calling on Grayling to resign.
It says:It says:
We demand that the secretary of state for transport not only intervenes but does so openly and transparently. Our message to the government is this: we are not only commuters, we are citizens for whom his department is responsible and we have urgent questions that need answering.We demand that the secretary of state for transport not only intervenes but does so openly and transparently. Our message to the government is this: we are not only commuters, we are citizens for whom his department is responsible and we have urgent questions that need answering.
The British public should know that southern commuters have experienced a year-long nightmare with the collapse of Southern rail. We have desperately called for government action and have been repeatedly ignored; even while many of us have lost our jobs, or relocated our homes because of it. Our thousands-strong network of commuters has been at the centre of this catastrophe throughout; and with the complete lack of government action on the matter, many have put all their efforts into investigating the true story behind the crisis. What is rotten in Southern rail started long before the current industrial action, which now takes place on top of a broken infrastructure, chronic understaffing and a company whose relations with the public have irretrievably broken [down].The British public should know that southern commuters have experienced a year-long nightmare with the collapse of Southern rail. We have desperately called for government action and have been repeatedly ignored; even while many of us have lost our jobs, or relocated our homes because of it. Our thousands-strong network of commuters has been at the centre of this catastrophe throughout; and with the complete lack of government action on the matter, many have put all their efforts into investigating the true story behind the crisis. What is rotten in Southern rail started long before the current industrial action, which now takes place on top of a broken infrastructure, chronic understaffing and a company whose relations with the public have irretrievably broken [down].
Its relationship with the Department for Transport is that of a subcontractor, not a typical franchise; therefore, it is firmly within their remit to step in, and their urgent responsibility.Its relationship with the Department for Transport is that of a subcontractor, not a typical franchise; therefore, it is firmly within their remit to step in, and their urgent responsibility.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.55am GMTat 11.55am GMT
11.01am GMT11.01am GMT
11:0111:01
Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
We’ve been hearing from commuters who have been forced to find alternative ways of getting into work, writes Rachel Obordo. Richard, from Tattenham Corner, had to spend extra time and money to get into central London.We’ve been hearing from commuters who have been forced to find alternative ways of getting into work, writes Rachel Obordo. Richard, from Tattenham Corner, had to spend extra time and money to get into central London.
Additional bus, tube and expenseAdditional bus, tube and expense
Usually board a train into London Bridge from my home station of Tattenham Corner. This morning I got a bus to Epsom main and then a (very busy) train to London Waterloo and tube to London Bridge. I have a monthly zones 1-6 travelcard but Epsom mainline station is outside of Zone 6 therefore I have to pay an additional fare. Daily journeys are normal painful enough.Usually board a train into London Bridge from my home station of Tattenham Corner. This morning I got a bus to Epsom main and then a (very busy) train to London Waterloo and tube to London Bridge. I have a monthly zones 1-6 travelcard but Epsom mainline station is outside of Zone 6 therefore I have to pay an additional fare. Daily journeys are normal painful enough.
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By Richard PainBy Richard Pain
13 December 2016, 10:2013 December 2016, 10:20
Another GuardianWitness contributor shares a picture of an overcrowded train.Another GuardianWitness contributor shares a picture of an overcrowded train.
Overcrowding on London transportOvercrowding on London transport
Over the past two weeks it is exceptional how many people have been packed onto the trains as well as the buses in London. On many occasions I have spent the morning on the way to work far too close to many of the other commuters who are desperate to get to work and not be late in order to keep their job. This brings me into the southern railway strike which is happening in London today. Many people are unhappy with their jobs however most of us still get up in the morning and make our way to work in order to make a living and ensure that we have food to put on the table for our families and ourselves. Multitudes of people are in desperate need of a job and I am sure that if the people on the trains are unhappy then they can leave their jobs and someone else will take their place. I am a strong believer that if you are unhappy you need to make a change, I do however believe that we should appreciate what we have and been thoughtful to others in the world as well who are also trying to make a living. London transport needs to run smoother, but it is with the help of everyone as a team which can make this happen. The drivers going against the people whose money goes into the system and pays their wages is not the way to go about it. As seen in the photo above people are even standing on the top deck? Therefore everyone's safety has also been compromised due to this strike. Change needs to happen but we needn't to work together in order to make it successful for us all. It is as if people in this world have forgotten how to talk to each other.Over the past two weeks it is exceptional how many people have been packed onto the trains as well as the buses in London. On many occasions I have spent the morning on the way to work far too close to many of the other commuters who are desperate to get to work and not be late in order to keep their job. This brings me into the southern railway strike which is happening in London today. Many people are unhappy with their jobs however most of us still get up in the morning and make our way to work in order to make a living and ensure that we have food to put on the table for our families and ourselves. Multitudes of people are in desperate need of a job and I am sure that if the people on the trains are unhappy then they can leave their jobs and someone else will take their place. I am a strong believer that if you are unhappy you need to make a change, I do however believe that we should appreciate what we have and been thoughtful to others in the world as well who are also trying to make a living. London transport needs to run smoother, but it is with the help of everyone as a team which can make this happen. The drivers going against the people whose money goes into the system and pays their wages is not the way to go about it. As seen in the photo above people are even standing on the top deck? Therefore everyone's safety has also been compromised due to this strike. Change needs to happen but we needn't to work together in order to make it successful for us all. It is as if people in this world have forgotten how to talk to each other.
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By PiinkbezziBy Piinkbezzi
13 December 2016, 9:5513 December 2016, 9:55
Despite the crush, reader GydaGwen, still supports the strikesDespite the crush, reader GydaGwen, still supports the strikes
Inconvenienced but supportiveInconvenienced but supportive
I managed to get a very busy Thameslink to work this morning but others weren't so lucky. I support the strikes because I know the government's stance is political. I don't trust anything Grayling says. Southern are awful and the franchise should be given to TfL.I managed to get a very busy Thameslink to work this morning but others weren't so lucky. I support the strikes because I know the government's stance is political. I don't trust anything Grayling says. Southern are awful and the franchise should be given to TfL.
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By GydaGwenBy GydaGwen
13 December 2016, 9:5713 December 2016, 9:57
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.53am GMTat 11.53am GMT
10.56am GMT10.56am GMT
10:5610:56
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
The RMT’s Steve Hedley insists the strike is about removing the “safety critical” role of guards on trains.The RMT’s Steve Hedley insists the strike is about removing the “safety critical” role of guards on trains.
Speaking to Damien Gayle at London Bridge he said hoped the government would allow Govia, which operates the Southern rail franchise, to negotiate in good faith. “As you can see there is a total shutdown today of the entire network,” he said.Speaking to Damien Gayle at London Bridge he said hoped the government would allow Govia, which operates the Southern rail franchise, to negotiate in good faith. “As you can see there is a total shutdown today of the entire network,” he said.
#southernstrike @RMTunion's Steve Hedley explains why @ASLEFunion drivers are on strike pic.twitter.com/dxqbiY3QHh#southernstrike @RMTunion's Steve Hedley explains why @ASLEFunion drivers are on strike pic.twitter.com/dxqbiY3QHh
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.53am GMTat 11.53am GMT
10.46am GMT10.46am GMT
10:4610:46
The strike continues to divide politicians along party lines. Labour MP Rob Flello reacted with anger after Grayling suggested the government was considering changing union law to ban strikes on the rail network.The strike continues to divide politicians along party lines. Labour MP Rob Flello reacted with anger after Grayling suggested the government was considering changing union law to ban strikes on the rail network.
Don't even think about banning strikes Grayling. It's a democracy do your job instead & facilitate talks #southernstrikeDon't even think about banning strikes Grayling. It's a democracy do your job instead & facilitate talks #southernstrike
Former Tory MP and children’s minister Tim Loughton pointed out Labour’s financial ties to the unions involved in the dispute.Former Tory MP and children’s minister Tim Loughton pointed out Labour’s financial ties to the unions involved in the dispute.
ASLEF gave Labour £185,000 & RMT donated £4125 to Islington North Labour Party-in unconnected news Labour refusing to condemn rail strikeASLEF gave Labour £185,000 & RMT donated £4125 to Islington North Labour Party-in unconnected news Labour refusing to condemn rail strike
The SNP’s Gavin Newlands calls for a more geographical perspective.The SNP’s Gavin Newlands calls for a more geographical perspective.
Question for those outside of London. Do u think if this strike had been north of Watford this would have led news? Me neither #southernrail pic.twitter.com/YZlnDVCfvjQuestion for those outside of London. Do u think if this strike had been north of Watford this would have led news? Me neither #southernrail pic.twitter.com/YZlnDVCfvj
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.52am GMTat 11.52am GMT
10.40am GMT10.40am GMT
10:4010:40
Chris Grayling has dismissed Sadiq Khan’s call to switch control of Southern to Transport for London as “simply nonsense”.Chris Grayling has dismissed Sadiq Khan’s call to switch control of Southern to Transport for London as “simply nonsense”.
Speaking to LBC he said:Speaking to LBC he said:
“What the Mayor is doing is promising one thing to people inside London and another thing to people outside.“What the Mayor is doing is promising one thing to people inside London and another thing to people outside.
“The Mayor’s just said we’ll provide faster more frequent services. Well the reality is if you get a suburban train in the morning, you know that these these tracks are jammed full. The challenge is getting any space for any more trains. He’s also promised people outside London that he won’t actually introduce more trains because of the fears outside London that actually there might be fewer services from the coast for example. So I don’t buy this.“The Mayor’s just said we’ll provide faster more frequent services. Well the reality is if you get a suburban train in the morning, you know that these these tracks are jammed full. The challenge is getting any space for any more trains. He’s also promised people outside London that he won’t actually introduce more trains because of the fears outside London that actually there might be fewer services from the coast for example. So I don’t buy this.
“He’s been Mayor for four and a half months, he’s got some significant problems with Transport for London having big financial difficulties, the Piccadilly Line is in a state of chaos, he’s running out of money for projects already in the pipeline and he’s making grand promises about things like bridges over the Thames he hasn’t got the money to build.“He’s been Mayor for four and a half months, he’s got some significant problems with Transport for London having big financial difficulties, the Piccadilly Line is in a state of chaos, he’s running out of money for projects already in the pipeline and he’s making grand promises about things like bridges over the Thames he hasn’t got the money to build.
“So I’m afraid people should take what the Mayyor says with a pinch of salt.“So I’m afraid people should take what the Mayyor says with a pinch of salt.
“Let’s concentrate this week on trying to get a resolution to the Southern rail dispute, which is all about services in Cambridge to Brighton not services that are just within London.”“Let’s concentrate this week on trying to get a resolution to the Southern rail dispute, which is all about services in Cambridge to Brighton not services that are just within London.”
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at 10.55am GMTat 10.55am GMT
10.27am GMT10.27am GMT
10:2710:27
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
Damien Gayle has been talking to pickets outside London Bridge station.Damien Gayle has been talking to pickets outside London Bridge station.
One driver, who preferred not to be named, said the issue they werestriking over was safety. “If you’ve got a 12 carriage train coming upfrom Brighton, it could have a thousand people onboard.”One driver without a guard was not able to ensure the safety of somany passengers, he added.One driver, who preferred not to be named, said the issue they werestriking over was safety. “If you’ve got a 12 carriage train coming upfrom Brighton, it could have a thousand people onboard.”One driver without a guard was not able to ensure the safety of somany passengers, he added.