Rail Union RMT has called on the Scottish Government to take urgent action to protect vital jobs on the railway in a letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Since Scotland went into lockdown railway enhancement works have fallen under the same restrictions as the wider construction sector.
However, as lockdown measures are eased RMT is confident these works can be recommenced with the strictest possible health and safety guidelines and hundreds of jobs across Scotland’s railways can be protected.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The health and safety of my members is paramount and my reps are now confident Scottish railway enhancement works can be recommenced safely as they have been in England and Wales.
“For some reason, despite our reassurances, the Scottish Government is insisting this sector remains under lockdown which is now putting hundreds of my member’s jobs potentially at risk.
“To compound matters further rail renewals works continue to go ahead in Scotland while enhancements remain out of bounds to our members despite the exact same risk control and additional safety measures being in place.
“RMT believes that if this current illogical position remains in place rail infrastructure workers will potentially be thrown on the scrap heap simply due to political decisions being made which are totally contrary to the advice being given to Scottish Government Ministers by Network Rail on behalf of the rail Infrastructure contracting supply chain and by RMT on behalf of the workforce.
“We are ready to offer those reassurances to the First Minister and Scottish Government and have requested an urgent meeting to agree a way to protect jobs whilst ensuring the highest standards of health and safety.”
Last week Transport Scotland said contractors were beginning to pre-start preparations on site as part of the first phase of easing restrictions.
Speaking last week, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure & Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “The health and safety of the workforce and the communities in which they are operating remains our top priority.
“These pre-start preparations on our major projects involve making alterations to site offices, welfare facilities, parking arrangements and working spaces to ensure they comply with physical distancing principles.
“This work will help prepare sites and facilities for the implementation of new operating procedures for safe access, in advance of a decision to move into the next phase in the weeks ahead.
“While this work is underway, local communities may notice an increase in activity on sites, that’s why we are taking a number of steps to communicate and make people aware of this change.
“A decision to move to the next phase of the plan will only take place following consultation with the Scottish Government to ensure it is safe to do so and in line with public health advice. When this happens we will provide further updates to local communities and stakeholders.
“These activities will be as small scale as possible and will involve only a limited number of people working on sites. During the first phase of the route map for easing of restrictions, people are reminded to only leave the house for essential journeys, exercise and recreation. Travel for exercise and leisure should remain within the local area – around 5 miles is a sensible guide – try to travel by foot or bike and limit the distance travelled as much as possible.”
Photo credit: Sirisak baokaew/Shutterstock
