Thirteen guards, fresh out of training school, were being sent out on to the frontline by c2c today (Thursday), in an effort to boost strike-hit services.

The firm was reacting to a sixth 24-hour strike by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on the beleaguered Fenchurch Street line.

RMT bosses insist the introduction of driver-only electric trains, without guards, will compromise public safety.

Alan Wheeler, spokesman for c2c, said the new influx of guards would allow six extra morning peak-time trains, and nine in the evening on strike days.

All recruits passed their exams on Wednesday and have agreed to work during industrial action.

Mr Wheeler said: "They had to pass the intensive six-week training course, so they are not going to be nervous or completely green. All are fresh, enthusiastic and extremely accomplished."

The rail firm said it was disappointed at the breakdown of yesterday's (Wednesday's) London negotiations with the RMT.

Derrick Marr, from the RMT, claimed talks had fallen apart due to an insistence that negotiations could only continue if staff accepted the principle of driver-only trains but c2c denied it ever made such a demand.

Further dates for industrial action have yet to be revealed.

The RMT has arranged a public meeting on the industrial action at Basildon's Towngate theatre, next to the Civic Centre tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm.

By Sam Smith

Reporter's e-mail: sam.smith@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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