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Fresh rail strikes announced for 30 May Fresh rail strikes announced for 30 May
(35 minutes later)
Three rail companies are to stage strikes on 30 May, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has said.Three rail companies are to stage strikes on 30 May, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has said.
Members of the RMT at Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Northern (Arriva Rail North) will walk out on 30 May.Members of the RMT at Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Northern (Arriva Rail North) will walk out on 30 May.
The 24-hour strike is the latest in a bitter dispute over staffing and plans to introduce new driver-operated-only (DOO) trains in 2020.The 24-hour strike is the latest in a bitter dispute over staffing and plans to introduce new driver-operated-only (DOO) trains in 2020.
It will be the 32nd day of industrial action by Southern workers, who started taking holding strikes a year ago.It will be the 32nd day of industrial action by Southern workers, who started taking holding strikes a year ago.
Talks on Monday between the RMT and Southern were adjourned for both sides to "consider their positions".Talks on Monday between the RMT and Southern were adjourned for both sides to "consider their positions".
The union said its decision to announce fresh action comes in response to Southern revealing during those negotiations that more than 8,000 trains a year will run without an on-board supervisor. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which owns Southern, wants to replace conductors with "on board supervisors" (OBS) to work across different services but without the responsibility of closing doors - which would switch to train drivers.
Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, added: "That represents a serious safety and accessibility risk and short of the guarantee of a second safety qualified member of staff on Southern services we have no option but to confirm a further day of strike action. The union said its decision to announce fresh action comes in response to Southern revealing during Monday's negotiations that more than 8,000 trains a year will run without an OBS.
"It is now down to Southern/GTR [Southern's owners Govia Thameslink Railway] and the contract holders in the government, to face up to their responsibilities and engage in genuine and serious talks that address our issues." Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, added: "That represents a serious safety and accessibility risk and short of the guarantee of a second safety qualified member of staff."
Southern has been approached for a comment. Andy Bindon, a director at GTR, said it was "hugely disappointed" with the strike, and added: "The RMT's proposals would mean cancelling trains and reducing service levels to our passengers.
"Our service levels are stabilising at the highest we've seen in years and we cannot agree to anything which will jeopardise running trains and the service to our passengers."
'Angry and frustrated'
In its dispute with Northern, Mr Cash said the union was "angry and frustrated" with the company's planned policy of a minimum of 50% DOO trains.
Richard Allan, deputy managing director of Northern, said changes needed to be made to the on-board role as the railway is modernised.
He added: "We believe we would keep a second person on many of our services and, at some locations, we may choose to staff the station to give better support to customers."
The rail firm is also offering to protect workers' jobs and pay, and offer annual pay reviews for existing conductors if a deal is agreed.