This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38869928
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Southern rail deal is 'shocking betrayal', RMT union says | Southern rail deal is 'shocking betrayal', RMT union says |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A deal agreed to end the long-running Southern rail dispute is a "shocking betrayal" of workers and passengers, the RMT union has claimed. | A deal agreed to end the long-running Southern rail dispute is a "shocking betrayal" of workers and passengers, the RMT union has claimed. |
| Leaders of the Aslef union agreed to recommend the deal to almost 1,000 drivers following 11 days of talks which did not involve the RMT. | Leaders of the Aslef union agreed to recommend the deal to almost 1,000 drivers following 11 days of talks which did not involve the RMT. |
| RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the deal would leave drivers and passengers "exposed and vulnerable". | RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the deal would leave drivers and passengers "exposed and vulnerable". |
| "This is not a deal, it is a disgrace, and the RMT dispute remains on." | "This is not a deal, it is a disgrace, and the RMT dispute remains on." |
| An agreement between Aslef and the rail operator's parent company, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), over changes to the role of guards on Southern trains was announced on Thursday. | |
| At the time, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: "I am confident this deal can provide a safer and appropriately staffed railway for passengers on Southern Rail and I will be recommending it to our members." | At the time, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: "I am confident this deal can provide a safer and appropriately staffed railway for passengers on Southern Rail and I will be recommending it to our members." |
| 'Stitch-up' | 'Stitch-up' |
| But speaking on Saturday, Mr Cash said: "This abysmal document lists a whole host of areas where a train can leave without a second member of staff that will leave both the driver and passengers exposed and vulnerable, and which also represents a thin end of the wedge that will lead to the de-staffing of trains." | But speaking on Saturday, Mr Cash said: "This abysmal document lists a whole host of areas where a train can leave without a second member of staff that will leave both the driver and passengers exposed and vulnerable, and which also represents a thin end of the wedge that will lead to the de-staffing of trains." |
| He added: "Loyal and dedicated conductors, who have fought for safety for over a year, have had the legs kicked from under them by those who are supposed to be on their side. | He added: "Loyal and dedicated conductors, who have fought for safety for over a year, have had the legs kicked from under them by those who are supposed to be on their side. |
| "Passengers and staff alike have been sold out by a stitch-up cooked up in Congress House by the TUC and the bosses whilst Southern, one of the most anti-union and hated companies of recent times, is laughing all the way to the bank and have been given a free run to rip up the safety rule book in the name of profits." | "Passengers and staff alike have been sold out by a stitch-up cooked up in Congress House by the TUC and the bosses whilst Southern, one of the most anti-union and hated companies of recent times, is laughing all the way to the bank and have been given a free run to rip up the safety rule book in the name of profits." |
| Mr Cash said the union would fight "this shocking betrayal with every tool at our disposal". | Mr Cash said the union would fight "this shocking betrayal with every tool at our disposal". |
| The RMT, which mainly represents conductors, has held a number of strikes since last April, but is due to hold talks with Southern next week. | The RMT, which mainly represents conductors, has held a number of strikes since last April, but is due to hold talks with Southern next week. |
| It claims the change to a new role of on-board supervisor will affect safety. | It claims the change to a new role of on-board supervisor will affect safety. |
| But Mr Cash added: "We remain available for talks." | But Mr Cash added: "We remain available for talks." |
| A TUC spokesperson said: "We are pleased the RMT and Southern have agreed to new talks. | |
| "As we have consistently said, the TUC stands ready to assist any of our affiliates seeking to resolve industrial disputes, if asked." | |
| Aslef members are being balloted on the new agreement, with the result due on 16 February. | Aslef members are being balloted on the new agreement, with the result due on 16 February. |