TRAIN guards will go ahead with industrial action on South Western Railway  from Friday after bosses “resorted to threats” rather than engaging with staff, union RMT said yesterday.

RMT guards and drivers will refuse to work rest days for four days, while guards have also been instructed not to follow a recent restructuring agreement.

The union, which is embroiled in similar disputes at four other train operators, said the action will affect services.

The company sent “threatening and intimidating” letters to union members suggesting they will be making “illegal” deductions to the wages of staff to recoup losses arising from the current industrial dispute, RMT said.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “South Western Railway should call off these disgraceful attacks on their front-line staff and should start talking seriously with the union around an agreement that underpins the guard guarantee and ensures safe, accessible and secure services for all.

“It is time for the company to get out of the bunker, stop threatening their staff and start talking.”

A South Western Railway spokesman said: “By telling their members to refuse to work flexibly they are putting their members in breach of their contract.”