The train drivers’ union ASLEF has settled its legal dispute with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the company that operates Southern and the Gatwick Express.
The union balloted members on whether to strike over the introduction of driver-only operation for 12-carriage trains on the Gatwick Express route.
GTR went to court and won an injunction to head off industrial action and ASLEF looked likely to use legal channels in the dispute too.
But the union has signalled an end of the matter and will not ballot members again over this matter. It has also agreed to pay GTR costs of £250,000.
The company said: “We are pleased that this matter has been concluded.
“It supports the continued introduction of our new 12-carriage Gatwick Express trains which give passengers greatly enhanced interiors with air-conditioning, wifi, great luggage space and the latest in passenger information systems.”
GTR is still in dispute with RMT union members who work as guards over proposed changes to their role.
What is the point of fancy new Gatwick Express trains when you are likely to be turfed off at an unscheduled stop at East Croydon? I would rather be on a train that reached its destination (Victoria).