11:15am Tuesday 11th March 2003
COMMUTERS face more rail misery after union members voted for strike action in a dispute over the safety role of train guards.
Executive members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union met yesterday to decide on a date for industrial action, which could start as early as March 18.
RMT members voted two to one in favour of strikes after Connex South Eastern and 13 other train companies failed to restore guards' safety role. Four years ago, responsibility for train safety was shifted to drivers. Until then, guards had a recognised role in ensuring passenger safety in the event of a crash or train failure.
RMT members say companies are breaking an agreement made in 2001 to restore guards' safety role after the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster in 1999.
Union's general secretary Bob Crow said: "RMT members in a dozen companies have voted decisively for industrial action to defend the guards' role."
Connex chief executive Olivier Brousse said he believed guards were worried about being made redundant and assured members there will be no staff cut backs.
He said: "I think we should meet to discuss how we can give conductors greater job security and assure them they have a continuing role with Connex and the Kent railway."
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