RMT warns of serious safety risks as Chiltern plans Driver Only Operation
Rail union RMT has set out its concerns over safety on the forthcoming East West Rail route, after learning that Chiltern Railway plans to introduce Driver Only Operation on the new line. The decision has prompted a formal dispute, with the union arguing that removing a guaranteed second safety-critical crew member would put both staff and passengers at risk.
RMT says recent reports suggesting the disagreement centres solely on door operation are inaccurate, pointing out that an onboard second crew member carries out numerous essential duties. These include offering passenger support, deterring disorder, coordinating responses to incidents, and leading evacuations or dealing with fires when required.
The union believes the issue has taken on greater urgency following the mass stabbing on an LNER service at Huntingdon station, which highlighted the vital role onboard teams can play during emergencies. RMT argues that quick action from guards and crew in such situations can significantly influence the outcome and help emergency services respond effectively.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said:
"A guaranteed safety critical second person onboard a train service is essential for performing a range of functions and responding appropriately to potentially dangerous incidents. It is important we establish with any employer an agreed method of dispatching the train with the necessary safety critical skills and duties incorporated within the role of the second onboard crew member. What is clear from the appalling mass stabbing at Huntingdon is that quick reactions of the guard and other onboard crew in raising the alarm, meant that the seriousness of the situation was fully understood by control, signalling and the BTP, meaning appropriate action could be swiftly taken.
"There are DOO services that run on that line and if the incident had taken place on that type of service, it could not have been resolved as quickly, putting passengers further at risk. We need a clear commitment from Chiltern that they will not make their service DOO and a second safety critical member of staff will be a mandatory requirement for the service to run. Passengers rightly value having the guarantee of a second member of staff on their services and RMT remains steadfastly opposed to Driver Only Operation. Our members will take industrial action, if necessary, to defend the role of the safety critical second person onboard trains."
Image: Chiltern Railways