Passengers in Scotland have been warned to expect significant travel disruption on Sundays with some services being cancelled because of strike action by the RMT.
Conductors will be taking part in the industrial action for six consecutive Sundays, starting this Sunday, over calls for overtime payment increases.
ScotRail says conductors will be taking part in the industrial action for six consecutive Sundays, in a bid to force an increase in overtime payments at a time when ScotRail is facing its worst ever financial crisis.
The RMT says the industrial action by ScotRail conductors is a fight for equality and justice over enhanced payments for rest day working.
ScotRail says the RMT balloted its conductor members despite all ScotRail jobs being protected thanks to emergency Scottish Government support, with no staff placed on furlough or any cuts to basic wages or terms and conditions.
An emergency measures agreement (EMA) is being worked on with the Scottish Government, which will continue until at least September 2021, and will mean ScotRail can continue to operate services for key workers and keep its 5,200 staff in secure jobs. Between March and September 2020, the Scottish Government invested an additional £215million in subsidy to allow ScotRail to operate a service for key workers and pay staff wages.
However, due to the industrial action being taken by RMT conductor members, the train operator says it will not be able to provide the same level of services to essential workers over the next six Sundays.
Graham Ralston, ScotRail Head of Conductors, said: “The strike action will have no impact on ScotRail’s position on overtime pay increases, given the severe financial challenges we face.
“The strike is wrong during a global pandemic and will have a significant impact on those who need to make essential journeys.
“We will do everything we can to minimise the consequences of this action, but key workers will be adversely affected. Inevitably, many will have to find alternative and much less convenient ways to get to work to perform their life-saving duties.”
Click here for a list of services impacted.
RMT confirmed today (March 25) that the planned industrial action by ScotRail conductors will go ahead from this Sunday in a fight for equality and justice over enhanced payments for rest day working.
After more than 75% of members voted to strike, RMT has instructed them not to book on for any shifts that commence between:-
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 28th March 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 4th April 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 11th April 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 18th April 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 25th April 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 2nd May 2021
The union has said it will give notice of further Sundays of action if no agreement is reached with the company.
Additionally, RMT adds that all its Abellio ScotRail conductor members are instructed not to work any rest days or undertake any higher grade duties from 00.01 hours on Friday 26th March 2021 until further notice.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “I have no doubt that our ScotRail members will show full support and stand shoulder to shoulder during the days of industrial action. It’s frankly disgusting that rather than recognising the issues at the heart of this dispute the company have resorted to disgraceful mud slinging.
“Staff at the front line who have put themselves at huge risk during this pandemic will take no lectures from company bosses who have kept themselves well clear from danger.
“We have made it clear that we will not allow ScotRail to divide the workforce and are demanding that ScotRail do what is fair and honour an enhanced rate for rest day working for all grades.”
Photo credit: ScotRail
