ScotRail workers to strike over driver-only trains

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has announced that guards working for ScotRail are set to stage a series of six strikes over a dispute about driver-only trains.

The news comes after a majority of the RMT’s union members voted for strike action in a ballot, with a 75 per cent turn out. The strike is intended to oppose the extension of driver-only operations on any route or service, which it claims would be an attack on embers’ ‘hard-earned terms and conditions’.

The RMT confirmed the stakes would be held between 00:01 and 23:59 on Tuesday 21 June; Thursday 23 June; Saturday 25 June and Sunday 26 June; Sunday 3 July; Sunday 10 July; and Sunday 17 July.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "It is extraordinary that Abellio/Scotrail continue to ignore the strength of feeling amongst their staff over the extension of DOO and that they are still trying to by-pass the normal negotiating machinery.
"That disgraceful and cavalier approach to jobs and safety on Scotland's railways now leaves us with no choice but to move to a campaign of industrial action. The workforce know that any extension of DOO or DCO is a clear attack on our members hard earned terms and conditions. RMT members should not have to face the risk of their role and responsibilities being reduced and undermined.

Cash added: "The workforce also know only too well that there is a very real threat to passengers of watering down and wiping out the safety critical role of the guard on these Scotrail services. ‎That is a lethal gamble with basic rail safety.
"The union remains available for serious and meaningful talks but the ball is now firmly in Scotrail's court."

A spokeswoman for ScotRail said: "We believe that the solution to this dispute lies in talks not strikes. We look forward to getting round the table again for continued talks with RMT tomorrow."