Train managers employed by Chiltern Railways will undertake the first of two 24-hour strikes on Saturday, 10 October, citing safety concerns over services on the new £7 billion East West Rail line. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have scheduled a second walkout for 17 October if the disagreement persists.
The RMT union claims Chiltern Railways has not guaranteed the safety-critical role of a second onboard crew member for proposed East West Rail services. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that driver-only operation on East West poses a "significant risk" to safety and existing roles.
Chiltern Railways, however, has indicated that the majority of its timetabled services will not be affected by the industrial action. The company expects more than 93% of its services to operate on both Saturdays, with normal train numbers running into and out of London Marylebone.
Tony Baxter, interim managing director of Chiltern Railways, expressed disappointment over the strike vote. He stated that every East West Rail service will have two people onboard: a driver and a colleague to assist passengers. Baxter also noted that Chiltern has operated most of its trains with drivers controlling doors for decades, safely and with regulatory approval, adding that this approach would create over 100 new permanent jobs.