UK: South Western Railway suspends strikes May 9-18

Event

On Wednesday, May 2, the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union announced that upcoming strikes planned by RMT members employed by South Western Railway for May 9, 11, 14, 16, and 18 have been suspended. According to RMT officials, the strikes were called off to allow for negotiations with officials.

Further strikes may be organized should negotiations between union representatives and officials break down.

Context

The union called for the strikes to take place to protest a British government request to begin driver-only train operations instead of employing both drivers and conductors (or guards) on each train.

Advice

Travelers are advised to monitor the situation and check the status of train service on the South Western Railway website.