Guards working for Southern rail have agreed to move planned strike action to next Wednesday, May 18, as the dispute between the union and the rail network over the future of roles continues.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union, RMT, moved a strike from May 10-13 to May 20, but this planned date has now been moved to May 18.

The RMT executive has told guards not to attend any shifts from 00.01 on May 18 until 11.59pm. 

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The RMT says staff were offered an ultimatim for May 20, which is why the decision has been taken to move the strike action.

From Saturday: Rail union postpones strike action despite breakdown in talks with Southern rail over future of conductor roles

April 30: More strikes planned as talks between Southern and the RMT collapse over future of conductor roles

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said: "The union has once again reassessed the tactics of the dispute and, recognising the hostile and aggressive stance taken by the company as we fight for the basic principles of rail safety, RMT’s executive has decided to switch the next phase of action to May 18, two days before Southern’s outrageous ultimatum to staff.

"Southern GTR fleeces its passengers for a fortune in fares for unreliable and overcrowded services and RMT will not allow safety to be the next thing sacrificed in the dash for fatter and fatter profits on this rail franchise.

"RMT is now looking to build support from across the trade union movement for this important fight which defines the nature of industrial relations in Britain in 2016."

A statement on the Southern website refers to strike action on May 20, but offers the follow advice:

"If the strike takes place it will have a significant effect on Southern services on the whole of the day affected, with no service on many routes and only a limited service between approximately 7.30am and 6pm on others, though we will extend the services hours if we are able.

"If you are travelling to stations between Crawley and Chichester, between Hove and Littlehampton/Bognor Regis, or between London Road (Brighton) and Eastbourne, your last connecting train from London may be as early as 4.30pm.

"Queuing systems will be in place at many stations that are open so you may have a long wait before you are able to board a train. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee to get you to your destination.

"Cycles will not be permitted on Southern, Gatwick Express or Thameslink trains (south of Blackfriars) on the dates affected by strike action.

"Gatwick Express and Thameslink services will be largely unaffected by the strike but some services are expected to be extremely busy on these days and some Gatwick Express trains will be unable to call at certain stations, so please allow more time for your journey."