Commuters across London and Surrey may struggle to get to and from work on time today as a 24-hour strike by Southern train conductors begins.
The strike, called by the RMT union, has led to many train routes being cancelled, with a seriously limited service expected on others between 7.30am and 6pm today.
Services are disrupted today due RMTStrike, with some routes running a limited or no service https://t.co/IVaRAGk0ul pic.twitter.com/qoPmXYXVga
— Southern Railway (@SouthernRailUK) June 21, 2016
Southern have declassified all first class carriages for the day, but have warned passengers they may face long queues to board trains. The rail operator has also warned that it cannot guarantee that passengers will be able to reach their destination.
Several social media users have expressed frustration with Southern over the strikes.
@SouthernRailUK this is a joke! Why strike? You never run a service on time anyways. 😡 Just causing more stress to people's day!
— char. ✌️ (@ItssChar_) June 21, 2016
#SouthernIndustrialAction trains are already delayed without strike, so I'm not going to stress will still be waking up my usual time.
— ♥AlwaysInMyMind♥ (@DreamOfMe_) June 20, 2016
And future strikes may be on the cards, as the RMT and Southern continue to disagree over planned changes to the role of the train conductor on new 12 carriage trains. The proposals would see train conductors focusing on helping passengers onboard the trains, while the driver took responsibility for the doors.
The RMT have warned that the planned changes are unsafe, but an open letter from chief executive of Southern Railway, Charles Horton, accused the RMT of striking without reason.
Mr Horton wrote: "The strike is completely unnecessary, and follows recent weeks when you have suffered the consequences of unprecedented levels of sickness absence amongst many of our employees.
"I apologise unreservedly for the service we are presently offering, which I consider totally unacceptable."
Have you been affected by the strike? Comment below and let us know.
For details on the affected routes, click here.
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