Long-running dispute over the role of South Western train guards ends

The long-running dispute over the role of train guards on South Western Railway has ended.

Members of the RMT union had fought plans for drivers to operate the doors on the new trains operated by SWR instead of guards, with dozens of strikes held between 2017 and 2020.

A SWR spokesperson 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.”

Photo credit: South Western Railway

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