Solidarity with RMT strikes

Union Matters July 26 2018

Strikers from rail union RMT were out on early morning picket lines at South West rail stations today in their ongoing fight to keep guards on trains.

At Basingstoke in Hampshire, local RMT rep Nick Chaplin explained: “We’re on strike because the employer won’t guarantee a second, safety-critical guard, which we’ve always had previously.

“The company that had this franchise before, Stagecoach, gave us that guarantee, but the current operator, First Group, has refused to guarantee it,” he added.

Strike action, involving over 600 guards, continues across the region today, with further walkouts scheduled for this coming Saturday and next Tuesday.

“We’re determined to keep this going until we get a fair resolution,” said Nick.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “RMT members on strike today have the support and solidarity of the whole CWU. From one fighting union to another – we stand with you.

“We back our railways being brought back into public hands, improving services for travellers and conditions for the workers.’