A HAMPSHIRE MP is urging rail bosses and union member to go back to negotiating table after staff voted to go on strike.

RMT union members from South Western Railway, which operates services between Hampshire and London Waterloo, back the industrial action by a margin of 4-1.

Staff held the ballot over the role of guards on trains, which has seen Hampshire passengers using Southern Railway services face months of travel chaos due to a number of walkouts by staff.

Winchester MP Steve Brine said: "It is clear that this dispute is not about jobs. South Western Railway have 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."

The Conservative MP added: "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 RMTs 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."

As previously reported, South Western Railway, run by First Group and Hong Kong-based MTR, took over the rail franchise from South West Trains in August.

It is now the fifth rail operator to be embroiled in the dispute over the role of guards and driver-only trains.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT has given repeated opportunities for First/MTR to give us the assurances we have sought over the future role of the guards on their trains throughout the length of the new South Western franchise.

"They have refused to give us those guarantees and it is that failure which left RMT with no option but to declare a formal dispute with the company and to conduct a ballot for action."

No dates for the proposed strike action have yet been set.