Letter from GTR Chief Operating Officer, Dyan Crowther, on RMT industrial action:
Good Evening,
Following my email to you earlier this week, I am writing to give you further information on the impact that the RMT industrial action, on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th April 2016, will have on Southern services.
The strike is in relation to changes to the conductor role on Southern trains and is completely unnecessary as no staff will lose their jobs or see a reduction in salary as a result of the changes. We are therefore urging the RMT to return to the negotiating table. If, however, the strike does go ahead it will affect Southern passengers on a number of routes.
For your information, I attach a map which shows what routes will be affected by the strike action. These routes can also be found on our website at: www.southernrailway.com.
Details of our compensation arrangements will also be available on our website as soon as possible.
We are finalising our communications plan to ensure customers are aware of the possible impact the strike may have on their journey. Our website is being updated, station specific information is being rolled out, station staff and customer relations teams are being briefed, and we are also redeploying head office staff to support customers at key locations.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to you and your constituents and hope that this email has answered any questions you may have. However, if you would like any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Yours sincerely,
Dyan Crowther
Chief Operating Officer