Posted 4th October 2016 | 2 Comments
Southern standoff worsens
The RMT said Southern had refused 'unconditional' talks point blank.
General secretary Mick Cash accused Southern of being 'hell bent on confrontation'.
Govia Thameslink Railway has offered an 'implementation' payment of £2,000 to each conductor who agrees to become an on board supervisor, but also warned that the deadline for the offer was midday Thursday, after which it could be withdrawn.
The company has also said that conductors who did not agree could be given notice alongside the offer of a new on board supervisor contract to start in January.
General secretary Mick Cash accused Southern of being 'hell bent on confrontation'.
Govia Thameslink Railway has offered an 'implementation' payment of £2,000 to each conductor who agrees to become an on board supervisor, but also warned that the deadline for the offer was midday Thursday, after which it could be withdrawn.
The company has also said that conductors who did not agree could be given notice alongside the offer of a new on board supervisor contract to start in January.
Reader Comments:
Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.
Tony Pearce, Reading
We all know what the dispute is really about. The role of the Guard has slowly been diminishing since the end of Steam. There are a lot of them and they belong to the RMT. The Guard's Duties have been handed over during this time to the Drivers - who mostly belong to ASLEF. The RMT sees its role and power going and doesn't like it. The Guards see their jobs going although there is plenty of scope for them to be employed on the Railway and get a 'Golden Handout' for agreeing to change. The Government knows and wants these changes implemented to save money and has decided that the Southern should be the Battle Ground not Great Western next year. The passengers as always are caught in the middle.
Chris Neville-Smith, Durham, England
Not surprised. Casting aside which side is in the right, the leaflets appealing the the public to express public support for GTR was a really dumb move. It's hard to motivate the public to openly stand up for the establishment, but it's a red rag to a bull for the train guards.
Oh dear, what a mess.