Gatwick passengers can breathe a sigh of relief after train drivers’ union Aslef finally reached an agreement with Southern Rail management.
The deal looks to bring to an end a long-running dispute which has led to countless days of strike action and severe disruption to train travel to and from the airport, and for thousands of commuters.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said Aslef and GTR have reached a deal, but did not give further details.
She said the deal still had to be put to Aslef members in a referendum.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said the deal was a ‘significant step forward in addressing the safety concerns of Aslef members on Southern Rail’.
"ASLEF has never been against changes to working methods. Rather we believe any changes should be negotiated through agreed procedures," he added.
"I am confident this this deal can provide a safer and appropriately staffed railway for passengers on Southern Rail and I will be recommending it to our members."
General Secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT understands that central to the agreement with ASLEF is a guarantee of a second person on the train.
"We also understand that the implementation of that aspect of the agreement is subject to further discussions and negotiations with RMT around the safety competencies of that second member of staff.
"It is now essential that we open up urgent discussions with GTR around this core issue of the second safety-critical staff member, and the details of their future role, that will allow us all to move forwards. RMT is available for those talks with immediate effect. "
