More misery pending as Aslef rejects Go-Ahead's Southern deal

(ShareCast News) - Members of the Aslef union have rejected a deal with the Southern passenger train brand, which would have spelt the end to a long-running and painful dispute on the rails in southern London and the South of England.The union had been in dispute with Southern's operator, Govia Thameslink Railway, over whether a train's guard or driver controls the doors, and how many services could be driver-only operated without a guard.Govia Thameslink Railway is a joint venture between majority partner, the FTSE 250 listed Go-Ahead Group, and French passenger transport firm Keolis.Members of the drivers' union rejected the deal by 54.1% to 45.9% on a turnout of 72.7%."We understand and support the decision arrived at democratically by our members and will now work to deliver a resolution in line with their expectations," said Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan.Nick Brown, Govia Thameslink Railway's chief operating officer, said the company was "saddened and hugely disappointed" with the decision, and claimed passengers would be too,, particularly as the agreement carried the full support and recommendation of the Aslef leadership."We now need to understand the issues which led to this outcome and we'll be seeking to meet with the union as soon as possible to see how we can agree a way forward."