ASLEF, the driver’s union, has said that it is possible that this year will see drivers take industrial action in Scotland over pay – the first time drivers have been on strike in the country in 20 years.
It comes after ASLEF said it was not satisfied with a pay offer from ScotRail, describing it as “derisory”.
ASLEF Scotland Organiser, Kevin Lindsay said: “ASLEF members who have kept the country moving throughout the pandemic have been presented with a derisory pay offer from ScotRail management which takes no account of the cost of living crisis workers face.
“Scotland’s Train Drivers did not take the decision to consider Industrial Action lightly – indeed we have not had a single pay dispute with Scotland’s railway operators for 21 years. Yet, just one month into the Scottish Government’s stewardship of ScotRail we are being left with no option but to consider action in response.
“Scotrail and the Scottish Government must recognise that these key workers deserve a decent pay rise, they should return to the negotiating table with a much fairer deal that recognises the vital work our members do.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Rail unions have long campaigned for public ownership and this Scottish Government has delivered our railways back into the public sector control.
“The Transport Minister has frequently met with rail unions in recent months and we absolutely understand the unions’ desire to negotiate a fair settlement for their members. Very recently the Minister has provided clear support for the RMT in their current pay dispute with Network Rail at a UK level.
“Rail unions are aware any increase in excess of public sector pay increases have a clear process which must be followed which includes Cabinet approval. We would encourage them to continue meaningful dialogue with ScotRail so a mutually agreeable outcome can be reached as soon as possible.
“It is our intention for ScotRail and its staff to benefit from the transition to public sector control and that is why we would call on everyone involved to take time to consider all options carefully.”
