The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) confirmed on Wednesday workers staff across Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) would be given the option to either strike or undertake industrial action short of striking.
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Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which owns Southern, has even faced calls to be stripped of the franchise, and Claire Perry stepped down as rail minister and was replaced by Paul Maynard.
The RMT said it was opposed to closures and cuts in hours, saying that this could have a “devastating” impact on staff, as well as the safety and service that the public expect. “No jobs or pay will be cut”.
‘That request has been kicked back in our faces, ‘ the RMT said.
The station is one of more than 80 affected by the plans, which would see ticket offices either fully or partially closed and replaced with staff serving passengers on concourse areas in new “station host” roles.
The announcement comes after an emergency timetable was put in place for the network, and the cancellation of services due to staff sickness.
Information about how the action will affect services will be announced closer to the time.
“We have listened to passengers and modified our proposals, addressing the concerns of both London TravelWatch and Transport Focus”.
“Our new Station Hosts will be paid more, be able to work in safety and provide passengers with better customer service”.
Ballot papers will go out on August 2 and voting will close two weeks later for strikes or other industrial action.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash added: “This action has been forced on us by the arrogance and inaction of Govia Thameslink and the Government who have made it clear they have no interest in resolving this dispute or in tackling the daily chaos on Southern”.
“We remain available for serious and meaningful talks, but we will not sit back while Britain’s worst rail franchise moves to the next act in its on-going production, Carry On Carnage”.
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group said: “There has been a major change in the way that people buy train tickets”.
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Yesterday staff said they were being scapegoated for management’s failings and had been spat on and hit by irate passengers. Technology means this can be done without compromising the safety of passengers or the workforce.
