Long-running dispute on South Western Railway finally ends
Row over role of guards caused widespread disruption for passengers across South Wiltshire and West Hampshire
Last updated 14th Apr 2021
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) had fought plans for drivers to operate the doors on 90 new trains operated by South Western Railway instead of guards.
The union has now accepted the change after securing a guarantee that there will still be a guard on all passenger trains on SWR.
It brings to a close one of the longest-running industrial disputes in decades.
More than 70 days of strikes were held between 2017 and 2020.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said in a message to members:
"The union has achieved a guarantee from the company that a guard will remain on all passenger trains."
An SWR spokesman said:
"After extensive and constructive negotiations with the RMT, we can confirm our colleagues have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a deal to end the long-running dispute over the role of the guard. "
"This agreement is an important milestone on our journey to providing an even better experience for our customers while providing certainty for our colleagues and the communities we serve. "
"All parties can now move on from the disruption this dispute has caused and focus on welcoming our customers back to a more punctual, reliable and customer-friendly railway in the coming months."