Steve Brine has spoken out over the threat of strike action that will blight the lives of Winchester & Chandler's Ford commuters.
The RMT union recently balloted their members for strike action over the role of guards on trains, and the results of that ballot have been finalised with union members voting for strike action.
Mr Brine said: "It is clear that this dispute is not about jobs.
"South Western Railway has been clear – no-one will lose their job and they plan to keep a second member of staff on board trains.
"In fact, the train operator has announced plans to hire even more guards and drivers.
"Nor is the RMT's dispute about safety, as the independent rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, has ruled that driver-controlled trains are safe.
"Strike dates have not been announced by the RMT and I urge both parties to get back to the negotiating table. I hope a resolution can be found to the RMT's dispute, however, should strike dates be announced I will be working closely with the Transport Secretary to provide my constituents with a full update about contingency measures being planned by South Western Railway.
"We want all parties to put passengers first on our railways."
South Western Railway have only just taken over the franchise and will oversee a £1.2 billion investment that will improve journeys for millions of train passengers. A fleet of 90 new trains, faster journeys across the network and 22,000 extra seats into London Waterloo each morning peak and 30,000 extra seats out of Waterloo each evening peak.
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