RMT announces November strikes over East West Rail safety

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 13:03 · Archive

The RMT union has announced strikes by Chiltern Railways train managers on 12 November over concerns that East West Rail operations could reduce onboard safety staff roles.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers has announced fresh strike action in November over the East West Rail project. Train managers employed by Chiltern Railways will walk out on 12 November, with the union concerned that future operations could reduce the role of safety-critical onboard staff.

The strike follows an October announcement when the RMT accused rail operators of attempting to 'water down safety' by altering train managers' responsibilities. The union argues that trained onboard staff play a vital role in ensuring passenger safety, providing assistance to disabled travellers and responding to emergencies. The RMT says any reduction in their duties could have serious implications for passengers.

The dispute centres on plans for the new East West Rail network, which is being developed to reconnect Oxford and Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford. Services between Oxford and Milton Keynes are expected to form part of the project's first operational phase. The RMT has called on rail industry bosses to provide guarantees that safety-critical staff will remain on trains. Talks between the union and rail operators have so far failed to resolve the dispute.

How it is being reported

• More strikes announced over £7bn East West Rail rowFresh strikes have been announced by a rail union over the ongoing East West Rail row, despite the line being completed.Oxford Mail · 5 Nov, 12:30
• More strikes announced over £7bn East West Rail rowFresh strikes have been announced by a rail union over the ongoing East West Rail row, despite the line being completed.Oxfordshire Guardian · 5 Nov, 12:30

In this story: RMT · Chiltern Railways · East West Rail · Oxford · Cambridge · Milton Keynes · Bedford

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log