Talks to avert next week's Southern strike

Talks aimed at ending a dispute between Southern train drivers and management have ended for the day without a deal in place.
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Train drivers union ASLEF has told its members not to work any overtime and held three days of strikes in mid-December, leading to the complete shutdown of the Southern network, with a week-long walkout planned to start next Monday (January 9).

The dispute is over rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway’s proposals to introduce driver-only operation on Southern services, meaning that drivers would be responsible for opening and closing train doors rather than conductors.

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Both ASLEF and the RMT union, whose members are due to be made on-board supervisors, have objected to the changes on safety grounds.

In a bid to avert next week’s strikes both GTR and ASLEF met at talks hosted by mediation service ACAS.

A spokesman for ACAS said: “Talks took place at Acas today between ASLEF and Southern. No agreement was reached. The parties have indicated that they remain available for further talks.”

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