Aslef ballot 'cynical and desperate'

Talks between Govia Thameslink Railway and the RMT over the change in role of conductors on Southern services are continuing at Acas.

Meanwhile, Aslef has just told us that it is balloting for industrial action on Southern and Gatwick Express.

In response to this, Govia Thameslink Railway Passenger Service Director Angie Doll said:

“Twice Aslef has tried to block our plans to improve the railway and twice the courts have ruled their attempts unlawful. Aslef members have been successfully operating this timetable for three weeks to deliver more reliable services for passengers and staff in the face of traincrew shortages.

"To call a strike ballot against this timetable now is a cynical and desperate attempt to heap even more misery on passengers especially as we have met with Aslef on two occasions and have a further meeting with them next week on this specific issue.

“Passengers should remember that Aslef and the RMT signed a pact last year to fight any extension of driver-only operation tooth and nail. The news of this ballot comes at the very moment we are trying to find a resolution with the RMT at Acas and is premature and opportunistic.”

ends