I think it's beyond any doubt in the industry now that the Department for Transport is leading this action as it wishes to force through single manning of passenger services. Southern just happens to be the Train Operating Company in the middle and since Department for Transport have agreed a "management contract" with Southern GTR they have little choice but to go along with it. Their handling has not been good, but I fear that they are not free to act as they might wish - and it's not often that I have sympathy for Southern management.
The RMT union can see the writing on the wall, as can train crew, and there are serious safety concerns about single manning. As there have been a number of incidents recently investigated by Rail Accident Investigation Branch and found to be wanting due to a lack of either a guard/conductor and/or platform staff, I agree with these safety concerns. There are further concerns regarding the safety of passengers on the train, and the driver - these may not be prevented by having a second person on the train, but the chances of a successful outcome are very much improved.
Both sides have got themselves so entrenched now that I am not optimistic that a good outcome will result. I just hope that there is some understanding and give and take, and that this comes out in the arbitration process. Otherwise I fear that the passengers will actually be the worst off victims of this cost-cutting.
