Date: 05/02/2017

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. 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.' 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.'

External links

Union blasts Southern deal as 'betrayal'

BBC News

Union general secretary Mick Cash says the bitter dispute over the role of conductors will continue.