Here's everything you need to know about next week's Southern Rail strikes

Conductors working for Southern Rail will be walking out next week over a dispute about the role of guards on trains.

Here’s all you need to know about the strikes, and how can you survive your commute while it is going on.

Why are the strikes happening?

The RMT Union, which represents the company’s workers, have been in talks with Govia Thameslink - which owns Southern Rail - for several months. They have been discussing the role of conductors, which from next year will be rebadged as ‘on board supervisors’.

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The fear is with these supervisors focusing on customer service, there will be less focus on passenger safety.

They also believe that drivers would be responsible for opening and shutting doors.

When are the strikes happening?

Three day strikes would start on Tuesday October 11, Tuesday October 18, Thursday November 3, Tuesday December 6, and a two-day walkout would start on Tuesday November 22.

Five walkouts totalling eight days have already taken place this year.

What will Southern Rail be doing to help?

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The company has said it will extend the service it been able to offer on previous strike days. Nearly all 156 stations covered by the company would have either a train or bus service on each day, with 61% of its full timetable.

On some routes a service will be provided through ticket acceptance with other train operators.

Improvements include buses between Chichester and Havant and later services between Brighton and Eastbourne, and London Bridge to East Grinstead.

What if I’m commuting to London?

There is a direct train from Portsmouth Harbour at 06:46am getting to London Victoria at 09:02, but is still unclear exactly which services will be affected.

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National Rail are advising passengers to check their website on Monday October 10 for the most up-to-date information, and this could still change up until your train so do keep an eye on the website.

Can I claim any compensation?

Yes - you may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey because of the disruption.

For more information on this go to the National Rail website.

How will you be affected by next week’s strikes? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page, or email us on [email protected].