Misery continues as Southern Rail drivers reject deal
Southern Rail drivers have rejected a deal to end their long-running dispute that has brought misery to millions of commuters over many months.
Two weeks ago, the union ASLEF announced it had reached agreement with operator Southern to end industrial action.
However, members rejected the deal by 54.1% to 45.9% on a ballot turnout of 73%.
When the agreement was announced, on February 3, ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said the deal was a ‘significant step forward in addressing the safety concerns of Aslef members on Southern Rail’.
The deal offered limited assurances on rostering a second, safety trained crew member in return for accepting Southern’s government-led plans for more driver-only operation.
Following today’s ballot result, Whelan said: "We understand and support the decision arrived at democratically by our members and will now work to deliver a resolution in line with their expectations."
The RMT union, which did not take part in the discussions agreed on February 3, had said its members will strike next Wednesday.
More strikes are now expected, which will affect commuters in the south east and train travellers to Gatwick airport.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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