Gatwick Express faces strike action
GATWICK Express passengers could be facing ongoing disruptions, after it was announced that rail workers on the line are to be balloted for industrial action in response to the threat of job cuts.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has confirmed that it is prepared to lead its members to strike action in response to the increased automation of ticket gates on the line.
The union said that it is concerned that, with planned ticket gate additions at both Gatwick and Victoria station terminals, worker redundancies will follow.
Bob Crow, general secretary for RMT, has said that the union will do everything in its power to ensure that members’ jobs are defended at Southern Railway, the company which owns and operates the Gatwick Express.
Responding to the union’s announcement, Southern said it was “contractually committed” to gating Gatwick Express platforms at both stations as part of its franchise for the service.