Date: 14/08/2016

Talks between Southern and the RMT union aimed at settling the long-running railway dispute have broken down, meaning passengers could face renewed disruption from strikes. A five-day strike that started last Monday was suspended after three days and both sides returned to talks at the arbitration service Acas on Thursday. But a third day of talks came to an abrupt end on Monday morning. An Acas spokesperson said: Acas conciliation talks have ended without the sides reaching agreement. There are no further talks planned but our services remain available. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern trains, said it would press ahead with planned changes to staff roles, which were due to start being implemented next week. Conductors will no longer be responsible for closing train doors and will be rebranded as onboard supervisors. Unions say the move endangers safety and threatens jobs.

External links

Talks break down in Southern rail dispute

Guardian

RMT considering further strike action as Govia Thameslink Railway says it will press ahead with planned changes to staff roles