Strike on SW Trains

[kriskwery]

Can you tell me why the staff of South West Trains were on strike recently?

[mellyJ]

The dispute involves train guards who are members of the Rail Maritime & Transport Union over a number of issues concerning their working conditions. The strike (and another one planned for 11 May) has been ridiculed in some press coverage, claiming that the guards are striking because they dislike their red waistcoats. Focus on this trivialises their main points, which include the number of guards being promoted to drivers, time off for trade union duties, attendance procedures, uniforms and the wearing of name badges.

[karenH]

This dispute has now been resolved and the guards are back at work.