Rail passengers warned as fresh Southern Rail strike launched

Workers from the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Southern Rail have launched a 48-hour walkout this morning.

The strike is a continuation of the dispute between the union and the criticised rail company over the role of conductors.

Southern have said that 62 per cent of its normal timetable will run but have warned passengers that there will be no services on some routes.

Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT said: ‘Yet again the sheer pig-headedness of the company and the Government means that our members are being forced to take further industrial action in a bid to maintain a sage and secure service on Southern Rail.

‘Over the past few days we have seen repeated chaos on Southern Rail services that has shown once again that they are simply incapable of running safe and reliable services.’

The dispute between the two parties remains deadlocked, with more strikes planned for next month.

Southern’s passenger services director Angie Doll said: ‘We are doing everything we can to provide as many services for our passengers as possible and I’m pleased that we’re able to add more services this time to help passengers get where they need to go.

‘We’re sorry that once again our passengers are facing disruption through unnecessary industrial action. Over 99 per cent of affected conductors have now signed up to the new role, which makes this strike even more pointless.’

Passengers are urged to check their route before travelling at southernrailway.com