LONDON: The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has called for a special “summit” to try to break the deadlock on the dispute over driver-only trains which threatens to cause mass disruption to the train network as thousands of drivers walk out.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling proposing the meeting with the Department for Transport and the train companies to resolve the dispute over driver-only trains.

The suggestion came as union members working for Southern, Arriva Rail North, Merseyrail, Greater Anglia and South Western Railway launched a fresh wave of strikes on Monday morning which will disrupt services.

Commuters on Southern Rail have been warned that drivers will be out on strike on for 24 hours. Drivers on South Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Merseyrail, Arriva Rail North and the Isle of Wight’s Island Line will also walk out on Monday for 24 hours but will hold additional strikes on Jan.10 and 12.

The RMT said the meeting could consider how the principles of the agreements the union has reached in Scotland and Wales, which will keep guards on new trains, can be applied to the current disputes while meeting any concerns the Department for Transport and train companies have about future train services.

Cash said: “I last met Chris Grayling on Dec.12, where we were told the train companies were free to negotiate deals like we have reached in Scotland and Wales where the guard has been retained but I then subsequently received a letter from Chris Grayling asking the union to accept the principle of driver-only trains.

“In light of this lack of clarity, and the contradictory messages emanating from the government, I have been seeking further talks with the Secretary of State but unfortunately have not had a positive response to that request.

“I have therefore written to Chris Grayling proposing a summit which could also be presided over by an agreed independent chair and which would consider how the principles of the agreements RMT have recently reached in Scotland and Wales, which will keep the guard on new modern trains, can be applied to the current disputes whilst at the same time meeting any concerns the Department for Transport and train companies have about future train services.

“I have told the Secretary of State that agreements have been reached in Scotland and Wales for safe, secure and accessible modern services and that with good will on all sides we can reach an agreement in England as well.”