CONDUCTORS on Southern are preparing to walk out for 24 hours starting at midnight tonight, as the dispute over extensions to driver-only operation appears to remain deadlocked.
Both the RMT and Southern have been voicing accusations, with the RMT accusing managers of 'threatening and abusive' behaviour, while Southern has labelled the timing of the strike -- called at the shortest possible notice and originally scheduled for Friday this week -- as a 'cynical ploy'.
If the walkout goes ahead, it will be the third day of disruption in connection with the DOO dispute. The first two strike days were on 26 and 27 April, when reduced services ran on many Southern lines and some routes had no trains at all. Other operators reported overcrowding, which became so acute on the second day that Clapham Junction station had to be closed for safety reasons.
The RMT has claimed that Southern has refused to negotiate, but the operator insisted that it remained open for talks.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said:“Despite strenuous efforts from the union to get genuine and meaningful talks underway with Southern on the issues of jobs and safety the company have point blank refused and have instead have resorted to a campaign of threats and intimidation against staff fighting to put rail safety before private greed."
Southern's owner Govia responded: "We remain open for talks but the union refuses to entertain the idea of our evolved conductor role and has encouraged members not to take part in the process. However, we are pressing ahead with our plans to evolve the conductor role and doing everything we can to ensure our staff are fully involved in the process."
Friday is the deadline for affected staff to tell the company whether they wish to be considered for one of the reduced number of jobs as conventional conductors, who will still control the doors and give the starting signal. Those who do not respond will become new on-board supervisors, who will carry out ticket checks and be available to help passengers but take no part in operating the train itself. Southern said if it had more volunteers for the traditional role than jobs on offer, it would be 'first come, first served'. However, the operator has promised that there will be no redundancies or pay cuts.
Meanwhile, there has already been some disruption, with Southern reporting a 'high level of conductor sickness, which is leading to a reduced service on a number of routes'.
Members of the RMT are due to hold a demonstration outside the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster at 08.30 tomorrow, where the DfT is hosting one of its periodic Rail Industry Days.