RMT have reported that guards and train drivers are due to strike for 24 hours on Saturday 22 December following an ongoing dispute over the roles of the guards on new trains.
The protest has caused previous disruption to journeys throughout the past year, including a 5-day walkout in October. SWR operates journeys from London Waterloo to Devon, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) on SWR trains working as commercial guards, guards and train drivers are instructed to not book shifts on Saturday before Christmas.
Mike Cash, General Secretary at RMT, said:
“Recent figures have shown a shocking surge in violence on our railways across the festive season and it is frankly appalling that South Western Railway are looking for a green light to throw the guard off their trains as and when they see fit in the name of profit.”
National Rail has tweeted the following, despite RMTs confirmation.
Hi Cat, there will be no strikes for SWR as far as we are aware.
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) December 7, 2018
