Posted 25th March 2021 | 2 Comments
ScotRail strikes to start on Sunday
THE first of a series of six 24-hour strikes by ScotRail conductors is due to start on Sunday.
The RMT has confirmed that its members will walk out from 00.01 to 23.59 on 28 March, 4, 22, 28 and 25 April, and 2 May. In addition, conductors will not work on rest days nor carry out any higher grade duties from Friday until further notice.
The dispute is over pay for rest day working, and was sparked by a separate settlement for ASLEF drivers.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘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.’
The vote for industrial action was 353 in favour and 117 against on a turnout of 75 per cent, but ScotRail has said it was ‘the wrong decision for staff and passengers’.
Earlier this month, ScotRail operations director David Simpson had said: ‘Strike action at a time of national crisis, when we have required emergency government support just to stay afloat, and when we benefit from a level of job security not enjoyed by other industries, is wrong. It will damage ScotRail’s credibility.’
ScotRail is warning that there will be widespread cancellations on each strike day. Replacement buses will run on routes which serve major hospitals.
Reader Comments:
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Neil Palmer, Waterloo
In a time of national crisis isn't this strike treason?
Matthew Ellis, Woking, Surrey
With a few million likely to be looking for work this year and (I assume) it costs less to train a conductor than a driver, I can see why ScotRail would not feel inclined to offer the same deal to both groups.