Crippling Southern Rail strikes could FINALLY be over after a peace deal is struck with drivers’ union Aslef
Aslef chiefs said they would put a “new agreement” to members after weeks of talks
A PEACE deal was agreed today that could finally end the strike misery suffered by thousands of passengers on Southern Railways.
The TUC said drivers’ union Aslef would be putting a new agreement with Southern to members over the dispute about driver-only trains.
While the details were kept under wraps, Aslef chief Mick Whelan said it should deliver a “safer and appropriately staffed railway” – adding: “I will be recommending it to Aslef members.”
But the RMT – which represents guards – vowed to continue its dispute with Southern as it tore into the TUC and Southern owner GTR for barring it from the talks.
RMT chief Mick Cash said he had yet to see any information about what it means for his 500 members. And he blasted: “That is an appalling way for that group of workers to be treated.”
Separately the RMT vowed to ballot for industrial action on Merseyrail – which is set to introduce driver only trains on its network with the backing of the Labour-led Liverpool Council.
The Southern dispute has run on for nearly a year and devastating strikes in December were estimated to have cost the economy £400 million. Experts said every day of action by Aslef and the RMT dealth an £11 million hit to the economy.
In a statement tonight, TUC general secretary Francis O’Grady said: “The negotiators from both sides have worked hard and co-operatively to achieve this breakthrough.
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The Department for Transport said: “We are grateful to all parties for their efforts to find a positive way forward.” Andy McDonald, Shadow Transport Secretary, said it was “great news” an agreement had been reached.
But he demanded Southern improve the “appalling standards of service” on the network.
He added: “While the full details are yet to emerge, it is essential that any safety concerns have been comprehensively addressed and resolved.”
Southern’s owner GTR last night said the deal “protects” the company’s modernisation programme.
And it said it guarantees a new ‘on board supervisor’ role for guards.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has repeatedly claimed the strikes were politically motivated. He claimed that Southern was insisting no jobs would be cuts as part of the move to change the role of conductors.