Rail union protests against Chiltern Railways’ plans for driver-only services

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The protest outside Marylebone station in London was staged a day after the firm was renationalised.

Union members are currently being balloted for strike action after the company refused to provide guarantees over the safety-critical role of the second person on board.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that the driver-only operation proposed on East-West represented a significant risk to safety and the current train manager roles at Chiltern.

He said: “The actions of Chiltern management to not take these concerns seriously is totally unacceptable.

“RMT will not accept the watering down of safety on the rail network.”

The result of the ballot for industrial action on Chiltern closes next Tuesday (September 29).

Chiltern, which was privatised in 1996, was contacted for comment.