RAIL workers on South Western Railway are to strike for 48 hours in November in a dispute over the role of guards and the driver-only operation of trains.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on South Western Railway have been instructed not to book on for any shifts between 00.01 hours on Wednesday, November 8, and 23.59 hours on Thursday, November 9.

RMT members on Southern, Greater Anglia and Island Line will also strike for 48 hours from November 8, and those on Merseyrail and Arriva Rail North for 24 hours on the same date.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Every single effort RMT has made to reach negotiated settlements in these separate disputes with the different train operating companies over safe operation and safe staffing has been kicked back in our faces.

“We are left with no option but to confirm a further phase of industrial action in early November.

“It is frankly ludicrous that we have been able to negotiate long-term arrangements in Scotland and Wales that protect the guards and passenger safety, but we are being denied the same opportunities with rail companies in England.

“RMT stands ready for talks in each of these separate disputes.”

Responding to the announcement of strike action, a South Western Railway spokesman said: "We are extremely disappointed the RMT has announced dates for this unnecessary and disruptive strike – rather than working with us to find a solution to their problem.

“No-one wants this, least of all our passengers and staff who will be the ones to suffer.

"We would like to assure our customers that should this strike go ahead, we have contingency plans in place and we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to their journeys.”