Thousands of commuters in the south-west of Britain could face substantial delays on three days later this summer following the announcement of strikes by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef).
South West Trains (SWT) is accused by the Aslef union of reneging on a deal to pay for taxis transporting drivers to London's Waterloo station.
The dispute, which had begun as a localised clash, has now widened in scope to union-wide industrial action.
"The company has no one but itself to blame," an unrepentant Keith Norman, general secretary of Aslef, said.
"Of course Aslef will react if a company breaks agreements and causes concerns about safety."
Aslef are specifically objecting to the use of trainers and managers to prevent the small-scale strike conducted by Waterloo-based drivers from disrupting services. They argue the covering staff were called upon to act beyond the duties laid out by their employers.
Following the balloting of 1,000 Aslef union members involved, the strikes are set to take place on July 31st, August 11th and August 21st.
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