Signs that RMT dispute may be drawing to a close

BOSSES at rail company c2c revealed today that they were cautiously optimistic that the long-running dispute with the RMT guards' union over the Driver Only Operation (DOO) of trains and the future role of the guard could soon be at an end.

It follows a revelation from a union representative that support for the dispute on the Essex route is draining away among grass-roots members.

Derrick Marr from the RMT told a local paper yesterday that some of his members had already broken ranks and were working during the industrial action. He added: "It is becoming difficult to keep everyone on side."

c2c believes a vote by the local branch of the RMT to end the dispute has recently taken place.

Route Director David Taylor said: "We understand that 70 percent of c2c guards who voted at a recent local union meeting want the dispute to be ended and are relaying that to the RMT Executive in London.

"We have also been talking to the guards on c2c and the feedback we get is that many of them do not agree with this dispute. It has been instigated by some of the more militant leaders of the union and does not have popular backing.

"This is the view of those who have volunteered to work when the union has staged recent strikes or overtime bans, which also affect our services. We understand that members do feel a loyalty to a union, and, when called on to take action, they will comply, even when they don't necessarily agree with the motives or objectives of the dispute. In those circumstances, support does inevitably wane.

"In recent weeks we have been able to offer all the guards more details on the roles available to them once we implement DOO. We will still have guards on a number of services and additional staff on many other trains performing a more interactive customer service role.

"I believe support for the strikes and other forms of industrial action locally is draining away. The RMT have lost most support from the travelling public, who have suffered much inconvenience in recent months. I am now more hopeful that this could all end soon and we can get back to the normality of full services."

Mr Taylor said he was also surprised at reading Mr Marr's comments attacking train drivers' union Aslef.

Mr Marr told a local paper: "I don't think there is a guard that isn't frustrated with Aslef....far from taking action, they are undermining our work."

Mr Taylor added: "I am very surprised at those comments. This dispute is not with Aslef, who have a history of honouring their agreements.

"We have written back to the RMT this week, indicating to the union leadership that we are still willing to talk to them about our plans for DOO. Our door remains open to them for discussions. My team and I remain committed to bringing this dispute to an end."

The series of 24-hour and 48-hour strikes, together with overtime bans, began in June this year. Emergency timetables were implemented on those days and a semi-permanent timetable has been replaced in the last fortnight with the resumption of full peak services with a limited off-peak service on the route.

Compensation is now being paid out to monthly and annual season ticket holders who have suffered in the dispute and claim forms have been available at c2c stations since mid-October