I welcome the Aslef executive’s endorsement of the proposals GTR have negotiated to resolve the dispute. Negotiations have been concluded on pay, productivity and Driver Only Operation in a package that will now be put to a referendum of Aslef members.
I really hope that this time Aslef members will support the proposals and finally put an end to months of misery for my hard-pressed constituents, who have had their commutes blighted by delays as a result of strike action.
There are still a great many problems with the Southern franchise and I have been very critical of GTR, indeed I have said before that if they didn't improve they should have the franchise removed. However if Aslef's members were to accept these proposals we can a big step toward normalising the service and hopefully the changes GTR have brought in will lead to be a better service.