Aslef agree deal with Southern Rail after months of crippling strikes over driver-only trains
A DEAL to end the crippling Southern Rail dispute over driver-only trains has been agreed.
The Aslef union and Southern have made the announcement, TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady confirmed.
The deal could bring some relief to passengers who have suffered months of misery because of industrial action and staff shortages.
But, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is still in dispute with Southern over changes to the role of conductors.
Aslef called off three days of strikes and went into ten days of talks with the firm in January.
No details of the deal have been released but it is subject to a referendum of around 930 union members.
Ballot papers would be dispatched on Friday, to be returned by 16 February.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said he welcomed the agreement which he described as "a significant step forward in addressing the safety concerns of Aslef members on Southern Rail".
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He said: "Aslef has never been against changes to working methods.
"Rather, we believe any changes should be negotiated through agreed procedures.
"I am confident this deal can provide a safer and appropriately staffed railway for passengers on Southern Rail and I will be recommending it to our members."
Plans had been to increase the number of driver-only services, which can be operated without a conductor on board.
Talks between Southern and Aslef, which represents the striking drivers, have previously failed.
RMT members first walked out in April last year and were joined by members of Aslef, making the dispute the longest-running rail strike since the railways were privatised in 1996.
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