Deal ends rail strike threat (From Oxford Mail)

Deal ends rail strike threat

6:03pm Thursday 7th February 2008 in News By William Crossley

Rail firm First Great Western and the RMT union have resolved a dispute over staffing levels and industrial relations which almost led to a strike last month.

The union said that after negotiations, 40 extra guards will be taken on by FGW and managers would no longer be used as train drivers or guards.

Last month, the RMT called a 48-hour strike by guards on January 20-21 after its members working for Oxfordshire's main rail operator voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking action over what the union said was "a total breakdown in industrial relations".

The strike was postponed while talks took place and has now been called off.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today: "The company has given clear undertakings that managers will not work as guards or drivers, be it for commercial reasons, to manage rostering deficiencies or to cover staff shortages, and that marks an important victory for our members.

"It is particularly positive that we have gained more than 40 new guards' posts as a result of our discussions."