UNION reps met train drivers yesterday to persuade them to accept a new peace deal with Southern Rail.

Drivers’ union Aslef signed off a proposed compromise with bosses to end the long-running dispute over driver-only operated (DOO) trains.

After drivers rejected a deal brokered by the TUC last month, negotiators secured a pledge for all on-board staff to retain safety-critical training.

But rail union RMT, which represents conductors, said it was “the old deal in a new envelope.”

Southern has sought to expand driver-only operation across its network, with conductors rebranded “on-board supervisors” and no longer carrying out operational duties.

The row has centred over whether trains are able to operate in the absence of the supervisors. The new deal with Aslef shortens the list of reasons why a train would be permitted to run without a supervisor.

A controversial clause that said “unlawful action” could be a reason to go ahead with just a driver on board has been removed. But trains will not need a second member of staff if on-board supervisors are unable to work at late notice.

An upgrade to in-cab CCTV, which under the new system is used in dispatching trains, has also been brought forward a year.

The beleaguered rail operator has also pledged to not expand driver-only operation any further without agreement with Aslef.

Aslef suspended its industrial action in January before the talks, but RMT has pressed ahead with further walk-outs of conductors.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said Southern had “deliberately done this deal behind the backs of guards and their union” and called for an “urgent meeting” with Southern management.

He said the deal “gives the bosses the whip hand” and passenger safety would be at risk.

“RMT does not believe for a moment that drivers and guards will be hoodwinked,” he said.

“Drivers and passengers have still lost the cast-iron guarantee they once had of a guard on the train.

“Disabled passengers will be seriously disadvantaged as access to train services is compromised.”

Drivers on London’s Night Tube will strike for four days next month over career progression.

Tube drivers are traditionally drawn from the wider Underground workforce. But part-time drivers recruited for all-night running last summer face a ban on progressing to full-time rotas for at least 18 months.

Aslef announced yesterday that members had voted unanimously to strike on a 75 per cent turnout.

They will join RMT members in walkouts on April 8 and 29.