Rail union members back walkouts

South Eastern Trains has 178 stations, not all of them manned

Members of a second rail union have voted in favour of strike action in a row about ticket office cuts affecting 99 jobs at South Eastern Trains (SET).

Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members backed walkouts by more than eight to one. The union said cuts would leave stations severely understaffed.

Last week, the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association said 84% of 310 members had called for action.

The rail firm has said ticket machines would be used and staff redeployed.

The RMT has said notice of strike dates will be served on the train operator shortly after the vote by the union, which has 100 members involved in the dispute.

These proposals were foisted on our members RMT members

Mr Crow said passengers had "objected to the proposed cuts in unprecedented numbers and sent the company the clear message that they want to see more staff on stations, not fewer".

He said: "These proposals were foisted on our members without proper consultation, let alone agreement, and the company should now do the right thing and withdraw them."

SET wants to reduce some ticket office opening hours at rail stations in the South East and London, or close them altogether.

A spokesman for the rail firm said last month: "We're actually increasing jobs, and just using them in a different way.

"New technology makes it easier for people to buy tickets, so it makes sense to close ticket offices during quiet periods."

SET has 178 stations, not all of which are manned.