South Western Railway strike: Thousands of commuters and Ascot racegoers face disruption
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But South Western Railway says: “Additional train services will be in operation if you are travelling to Royal Ascot. You are advised to check again before you travel.” Members of the RMT union working as guards and drivers for South Western Railway are taking industrial action because, say officials, “heel-dragging” in talks over driver-only operation. “That situation has been compounded by an insistence that future operational models will be governed by the protection of company profits and not the safety of the travelling public.” A South Western Railway spokesperson said: “Clearly, they have decided to target popular events such as Royal Ascot with this cynical action which is driven by internal RMT politics. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events “Fans attending events at Twickenham, Hampton Court, Royal Ascot, and elsewhere, are advised to allow extra time for their travel.” Stormy weather could also affect South Western Railway services.
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