THE STRIKE date by members of the RMT union on the Southern Railway network has been moved.

The union announced a 24 hour walk out would now take place on Wednesday May 18th instead of Friday May 20th.

A statement said union executive has agreed to switch the strike action called for Friday 20th May by not working any shifts that book on between 0001 and 2359 on Wednesday May 18.

The union said the switched date is in response to "the threatening and abusive stance" the company is adopting towards union members.

The union claim one of those threats include setting a deadline of May 20 for staff to sign up to the company plans regardless of the impact on jobs, working conditions and safety.

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 the 18th May two days before Southern’s outrageous ultimatum to staff.

“Southern GTR should be under no illusions, the union will not bend to their bullying and threats and we will be out there building on the huge public support we have already mobilised in a campaign that pitches the demands for increasing private profits against safety on our railways.

"The company know that they are losing the public battle and have resorted to some of the dirtiest tactics seen in an industrial struggle in Britain in many years.

"They will not get away with those attacks on basic human rights."