Southern Rail strike: Crisis talks planned but strike to still go ahead

CRISIS talks aimed at resolving the bitter Southern Rail drivers dispute are to take place tomorrow after hundreds of thousands of commuters were affected by a strike today.
Crisis talks are planned to end the Southern Rail dispute: Picture via Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire PPP-160519-120818001Crisis talks are planned to end the Southern Rail dispute: Picture via Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire PPP-160519-120818001
Crisis talks are planned to end the Southern Rail dispute: Picture via Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire PPP-160519-120818001

Southern Rail staff from Aslef caused chaos on the Southern rail line as they began a two-day strike over the role of driver-only trains.

The strike will continue tomorrow with more action to then take place on Friday.

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Informal discussions between the parties took place today as the Southern network experienced the worst disruption it has faced for more than 20 years, with 2,342 weekday services cancelled and more than 300,000 commuters affected.

Talks hoping to resolve the dispute will be held at the conciliation service Acas tomorrow.

Ian Prosser, the HM Chief Inspector of Railways has backed Southern’s stance on the role of drivers.

He said: ‘Our inspectors are satisfied that, with suitable equipment, proper procedures and competent staff in place, it is a safe method of working.’

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