RMT members strike over role change
RMT union members at Southern, Merseyrail, Arriva Rail North and Greater Anglia have taken industrial action over safety fears.
According to the BBC, a 24-hour walkout took place over plans to make train doors driver-only operated.
It has raised concerns that this change will mean that there will no longer be a need for rail guards and has sparked fears over the safety of passengers.
However, a spokesperson for Greater Anglia has said that 60 per cent of its trains are already driver-only operated, stating that it is a “safe method of operation”.
She went on to say that this method does not take away the need for guards, but that their role will change.
She said: “Our conductors are needed and we have guaranteed their jobs until the end of our franchise in 2025”.
Union members at South Western have also voted to strike, but this needs to be agreed with the executive body.
Greater Anglia provided a full, normal service with no alterations despite the action. Some routes operated by Southern were not able to run and others had a “limited service”.
Arriva Rail North provided a reduced service, as well as Merseyrail.
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