OFF THE RAILS
South West trains strike – December 2019 dates, train times and how to check your journey
CHAOS has been visited upon already weary commuters as South Western Railway embark on almost a month of strikes throughout December.
Here’s everything you need to know about the walkout, causing 850 service delays.
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When is the strike?
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out on Monday, December 2.
The strike is expected to last until New Year's Day.
It is the longest stretch of action against a major rail operator in living memory.
They will stop for a brief period around the General Election on December 12.
There will also be no trains as usual on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
South Western expects to run just over half of its 1,800-strong service.
As a result trains are being cancelled or delayed and a bus replacement service is operating in some areas.
Commuters into London are facing travel hell because of the long-running dispute over guards on trains.
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Why have staff walked out?
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) walked out over South Western Railway's failure to satisfy their request for a guard on each train.
The RMT accused the company of "dragging its heels" on resolving a bitter row over driver only operated trains.
Talks had been protracted since industrial action was suspended in February, claimed the union.
The union has launched a petition to make it a legal requirement to have a guard on trains to ensure the safety of passengers."
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South Western Railway timetable and journey check?
South Western Railway have all timetables until May 16, 2020, available on their website.
They can be found .
SWR also post all updates on their Twitter account .
: "We have produced timetables for Monday – Friday services between 2 and 20 December that are available , as well as the timetables for and .
"We are busy working on the remaining weekend and Christmas service summaries."
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LATEST TRAVEL DISRUPTION
What has South Western Railway said?
Early on Monday, December 2, South Western Railway said in a statement on Twitter: "RMT strike starts today and we will be running an amended timetable until the New Year.
"Peak services will be busier than normal and there may be queues at stations so please plan your journey in advance.
"Visit for the latest information."
On their website SWR states: "This strike is the last thing any of us wanted.
"We will do everything possible to get you where you need to go but ask that you leave more time for your journey and check before you travel for the latest information."
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