STRIKE ACTION ON SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY AND NORTHERN

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2019 :: RMTnews 4 RMT has been forced to re- ballot yet again to continue with action in the rail safety dispute on South Western Railway after being forced to renew the mandate under the terms of the latest wave of Tory anti-union laws. Northern Rail members remained absolutely rock solid on its 45th day last month as the company snubs all efforts to get talks going and ploughs on regardless with its plans to throw guards off their trains and rip up the safety rule book. The strike took place as Arriva was put up for sale by Deutsche Bahn as they looked to unload the basket-case operator. The union has accused German-owned Arriva of deliberately seeking continued confrontation, while they milk taxpayer-funded bailout payments to fatten up the asset for sale to whatever bunch of chancers fancy a run at ripping off passengers across the Northern routes. RMT general secretary Mick Cash called on the company to stop spinning and start talking. “It is the sheer determination and unity of our members over 45 days of action that has kept the fight for safe and accessible rail travel for all across the Northern franchise in the spotlight while the company refuse to get out of their bunker and enter serious talks around the core issue of the guard guarantee. "If Northern are prepared to stand in front of a TV camera rattling on about the second person on their trains then why aren’t they prepared to put some fresh proposals on the guard guarantee in writing to the union? “While this basket-case, German-owned company is STRIKE ACTION ON SOUTH WESTERN AND NORTHERN RMT forced to ballot for fourth time under anti- union laws as SWR blocks agreement Liverpool Carlisle