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RMT 'considering more strikes' despite Aslef deal with Southern Southern rail bosses invite RMT for dispute talks
(about 2 hours later)
The RMT union says it is considering more strikes on Southern's rail network, despite a drivers' union reaching an agreement with bosses. Southern rail's parent company has invited the RMT union for talks next week in an attempt to settle their long-running dispute.
A deal between the rail operator and Aslef was announced on Thursday, but no details of the agreement were given. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said the request had been made in a letter from its chief executive, Charles Horton, to RMT general secretary Mick Cash.
RMT assistant general secretary Steve Hedley said it was "scandalous other people think they can do a deal that affects our members". Mr Horton has asked Mr Cash that discussions be held "without the threat of further industrial action".
He added: "We are not bound by that deal. The dispute is still on." The RMT said it had now received a formal offer of talks from GTR.
The unions have been embroiled in a bitter row with Southern operator Govia Thameslink (GTR) over changes to the role of guards on trains. In a statement, the union said: "That offer will be considered by RMT's executive later today [Friday]."
'Devil in the detail' Earlier, the union said it was considering more strikes on Southern's rail network, despite drivers' union Aslef reaching an agreement with bosses.
The RMT was not invited to the TUC-brokered talks between Aslef and GTR. Both unions have been embroiled in a bitter row with Southern over changes to the role of guards on trains.
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said on Thursday: "This resolves the current dispute, subject to securing the support of Aslef members, and no further industrial action is planned." The deal between the rail operator and Aslef was announced on Thursday, but no details were given. The RMT was not invited to the TUC-brokered talks.
Aslef members begin voting on Friday in a ballot which ends on 16 February. BBC South transport correspondent Paul Clifton: What's in the Aslef deal?
BBC South transport correspondent Paul Clifton: What's in the deal?
As I understand it, the Aslef union has agreed that drivers will operate the train doors - that is a huge climbdown.As I understand it, the Aslef union has agreed that drivers will operate the train doors - that is a huge climbdown.
In return, the company has agreed there will always be a second member of staff on every train - that is a huge climbdown, too.In return, the company has agreed there will always be a second member of staff on every train - that is a huge climbdown, too.
In other words, a compromise has been reached.In other words, a compromise has been reached.
Working practices will be modernised but train crew will also see this deal as a way of protecting safety.Working practices will be modernised but train crew will also see this deal as a way of protecting safety.
Not quite done-and-dusted but I imagine the drivers will approve it.Not quite done-and-dusted but I imagine the drivers will approve it.
Mr Hedley told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We will take a decision when we have spoken to our members and we have seen this so-called deal." Earlier on Friday, RMT assistant general secretary Steve Hedley said it was "scandalous other people think they can do a deal that affects our members".
He said the RMT executive committee would be discussing the developments on Friday. He added: "We are not bound by that deal. The dispute is still on."
Earlier, RMT regional organiser Paul Cox said he hoped the union would meet with the rail operator "as soon as possible". In the letter, Mr Horton has apparently told the RMT his negotiating team was willing to meet next week "in a spirit of open and positive dialogue to explore the areas of difference between us with a view to resolving the dispute..."
Speaking to BBC Surrey, he said: "I am led to believe that central to the agreement is a guarantee of a second safety-critical person on the train, so it will be likely that we will be having some discussions with the company quite soon." Mr Horton said: "[Aslef] were prepared to come to the table, with passengers liberated of any threat of strike action.
But he added: "The devil is in the detail." "Both parties arrived ready to listen, have an open mind and ready to do a deal...
"We would call on the RMT to follow that same consensual spirit and leadership and come to the table with the courage, confidence and conviction to settle their dispute."