RMT has announced further strikes on Southern, on 7-8 September, involving both guards, who are resisting the introduction of Driver Only Operation, and station staff, who are fighting against ticket office closures and the de-skilling of their role.
When the union suspended the last set of strikes midway through, there were more than a few raised eyebrows from members, so it's good to see action being reinstated in short order. Things need to escalate quickly to put the pressure back on the bosses; further dates should be announced quickly.
There's also the possibility of coordination with disputes on other train companies, such as Hammersmith and City Line drivers on London Underground. This might add some industrial impact (disruption on the Tube will certainly affect Southern's London terminals), but can also be a symbol for possible further unity and coordination.
We recently called for a national rail strike, coordinating ongoing disputes across different TOCs, and with strikes on Southern back on that prospect should be re-explored.
