Train guards vote over industrial action

Train guards on one of the country's biggest rail operators were being balloted today on whether to stage industrial action over the "total breakdown" of industrial relations.

Workers on South West Trains have a number of grievances including complaints about having to wear name badges and bright red coloured waistcoats.

The company, which runs trains across southern and south west England had its franchise renewed for 20 years last month.

Several hundred members of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union are being balloted, with officials predicting a big majority in favour of action when the result is announced later this week.

The union said there were several industrial relations problems including disputes over working conditions.

But guards are also objecting to having to wear name badges because they believe they make them more of a target for abuse from passengers angry about delays to services.

Some guards are also unhappy about having to wear their bright red waistcoats, complaining that they are uncomfortable especially in hot weather.

One union official said there had been a total breakdown of industrial relations, with several issues left unresolved.

The company denied the union accusation and said industrial action would be unnecessary.

South West trains runs around 700 trains a day carrying more than 350 passengers.

Guards employed by Connex, which also runs trains in southern England, were involved in a dispute over uniforms two years ago when they raised objections to their yellow coloured waistcoats and blue peaked caps.

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