New setback for long-delayed Milton Keynes to Oxford line as rail union announces strike action
East West Rail’s much-delayed MK to Oxford line is set for more controversy as union members prepare to strike over the operator’s plans.
The physical track between Oxford and Milton Keynes has been ready to open since late 2024 but is currently used only for testing, freight and driver training.
Chiltern Railways were chosen as operators of the multi-million pound project – but have consistently failed to come up with an opening date. The reasons for the delay is staffing and disputes wth The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union over proposed driver-only operation (DOO) on the new route.
RMT is demanding a second safety-critical guard on the trains – and this week they have voted overwhlemingly to take strike action to make their views clear.
A union spokesperson announced: “RMT members will take 24-hour action on Saturday October 10 and Saturday October 17 after the company refused to provide guarantees over the safety critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.”
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.
“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,” he said.
Mr Dempsey said he union remains available for “meaningful talks” with the company.
Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said: "Chiltern’s plan is that every East West Rail service it operates will have two colleagues on board - the Driver, plus a colleague dedicated to providing customer assistance, checking tickets, and helping customers get the most out of using the new line.
"Our new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes will offer access to jobs, education and leisure for many thousands of people, as well as creating more than 100 new permanent roles at Chiltern, with no changes to the roles of existing colleagues."
"The way that Chiltern is planning to operate these East West Rail services is no different to the way many of our existing trains have safely operated for many decades, so we are disappointed that the RMT has decided to ballot for industrial action on this proposal."
However, Diana Blamires, the co-founder of the East West Rail Action Group, said: “Chiltern were appointed in March last year. Why the hell didn’t the Government and Chiltern sit down with unions last spring and resolve this?
"Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has disgracefully sat on her hands refusing to even meet with unions between February and August this year. So now the train service won’t even open a year late!
"The Government must now stop burying its head in the sand and talk with unions to find a solution. It’s an absolute disgrace.”