The failure to resolve this industrial dispute is bad news for both staff and passengers – Andy McDonald

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary,
commenting on reports that Aslef members have rejected a deal with Southern
rail, said:

“Southern services are abysmal even without strike action, but the
failure to resolve this industrial dispute is bad news for both staff and
passengers.

“The Government and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) have failed to
guarantee passenger safety or accessibility for disabled passengers who face a
loss of independence with the expansion of Driver-Only Operation services.

 “For the sake of long suffering passengers, all parties need to get
back around the negotiation table and thrash out a deal that delivers a safe,
reliable and accessible service.”