SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) has threatened to hold train guards “personally liable” for any losses incurred during the latest wave of industrial action last weekend.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union were instructed to refuse to work any rest days from Friday, February 16, to Monday, February 19, in an ongoing dispute over the role of guards.

But in an escalation of the row, SWR managing director Andy Mellors wrote to train guards warning them that they will not be paid “if you do not work flexibly as instructed”.

More seriously, Mr Mellors added: “Further, you are personally liable for the losses which SWR incurs as a result of your refusal to work normally. SWR is entitled to set off its claims for these losses against your pay, as well as refusing to pay you if you do not work normally.”

Responding, RMT general secretary Mick Cash accused Mr Mellors of “bullying” and called on the rail chief to withdraw his letter and apologise.

Mr Cash said: “This is a disgraceful stance to have taken and has echoes of the discredited tactics employed elsewhere, i.e. Southern (GTR). I would also add that we would vigorously defend any illegal deductions from my members’ pay.”

A spokesman for SWR said: “We are simply being honest with our guards. By telling their members to refuse to work flexibly, RMT is putting their members in breach of their contract.

“The proposed measures are only being considered in reaction to the RMT notice of industrial action and are viewed as a last resort.”