Rail strikes looming in East Anglia over driver-only trains

Greater Anglia rail workers have voted to go on strike. Credit: Chris Radburn/PA Archive/PA Images

The bitter dispute over the role of guards and driver-only trains has spread to East Anglia after another vote for strikes.

200 rail guards, who are members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on Greater Anglia, backed industrial action by nine to one on a 90% turnout.

Drivers backed strike action by a two to one margin.

The union has staged a series of strikes on Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Arriva Rail North, while workers on the new South Western Railway franchise are to be balloted for strikes over the same issue.

Greater Anglia has always maintained that there would still be a role for conductors on new generation trains where the doors are operated by the driver.

Greater Anglia operates the Intercity rail line between Norwich and London along with a number of branch and rural lines in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Greater Anglia is replacing its entire fleet with brand new trains during 2019/20.

The company says they will be fitted with the latest modern technology, allowing drivers to open and close doors, as endorsed by two safety reports from two independent organisations.

Greater Anglia operate rail services in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The RMT said Abellio, which runs Greater Anglia, had failed to provide theunion with assurances over the role and responsibilities of guards.

The ballot result will now be considered by the RMT's executive who will decide on the next steps in the dispute.

Greater Anglia says new trains will be fitted with the latest modern technology allowing drivers to open and close doors. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Greater Anglia said the driver operating the train doors would improve both safety and punctuality, as well as freeing up conductors for more customer service duties.

Greater Anglia says 60% of its rail services already operate with only a driver and no conductor.

Greater Anglia routes where all trains operate with both a driver and a conductor

  • Norwich to London intercity service

  • Norwich to Sheringham

  • Norwich to Great Yarmouth

  • Norwich to Lowestoft

  • Norwich to Cambridge

  • Ipswich to Lowestoft

  • Ipswich to Felixstowe

  • Harwich/Ipswich to Cambridge

  • Ipswich to Peterborough

  • Marks Tey to Sudbury

  • Colchester to Clacton/Walton

  • Manningtree to Harwich.