A RAIL union has defended its decision to go on strike despite advising its conductors to accept a new deal – and said more action could follow into the new year.

Yesterday the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) began its three-day strike over conductor roles on Southern Railway, the first of five strikes planned until December.

After telling staff to accept jobs as onboard supervisors – which it claims compromise passenger safety because they do not control train doors – the RMT vowed to go on challenging the role change with the three day strike starting yesterday.

Mick Lynch, assistant general secretary of the RMT, told The Argus: "What we have done now is preserve the industrial dispute. If we hadn't done that other people would be doing the new roles."

He added: "The whole programme through to December will carry on and we may put more strikes on because we think this will continue until we get a settlement.

"The dispute is no weaker than before; the fight goes on.

"We don't want to alienate the public but we think it's absolutely in the defence of the passenger to do this."

Seaford mayor Lindsay Freeman, whose town is among many seriously affected by rail problems, was among many to express disbelief at the point of the strike if conductors have accepted the new role.

She said: "Safety is important but it's totally confusing.

"I think a lot of people in Seaford still feel the role of the guard is vital but the strikes are totally disrupting people's lives."

Commuter Kim Walker, 54, who had to work from home in Portslade yesterday due to the strike, said: "What's the point of the strike now? It seems to me a desire to cause total mayhem."

Hove's Labour MP Peter Kyle said he felt angry and "bitterly let down" that energy was being spent continuing the dispute.

He added: “The two sides are at war. There’s no end in sight and neither GTR nor the RMT seem to have the talent or the imagination that passengers need and require at such a difficult time.”

Adam Chinnery, owner of Brighton Watersports and chairman of the Seafront Traders' Association, said the rail problems throughout the year had a serious effect on businesses.

He said: "It has affected us quite badly this year. I can't say exactly how strikes into the new year would affect businesses. Those who are running very tight to the line, it could push them over."

Last week the RMT rejected an offer of £2,000 to conductors to accept the role by Thursday but members have now been advised to take the new contracts despite losing the cash incentive.

Union members picketing at Brighton Station yesterday told The Argus the dispute was not about the money.

Conductors have until November 4 to take up the onboard supervisor role.

Angie Doll, passenger services director for Southern, said the RMT’s strike action was totally unnecessary.