TRAIN cleaners at ScotRail have rejected an RMT call for strikes in a dispute over payments for overtime. However a small majority voted in favour of other industrial action short of a strike.

ScotRail said it welcomed the rejection of strikes, and quoted the result of the ballot as 96 in favour and 41 against.

Of the 260 train presentation members entitled to vote in the ballot, 37 per cent voted in favour of strikes. The required legal threshold is 40 per cent.

On action short of a strike, the legal threshold was just met with 40.8 per cent of members voting for it.

ScotRail engineering director Syeda Ghufran said: ‘I’m pleased the RMT’s train presentation members have rejected strike action.

‘Industrial action over increased overtime payments is completely wrong for staff and customers just as we are starting to see customers return to Scotland’s Railway.

‘ScotRail is currently facing the most serious financial crisis in its history. At a time when we need everyone to work together to rebuild and create a more sustainable railway for the future, the actions of the RMT bosses are reckless.’

Railnews has invited the RMT to comment.

Meanwhile, disruption is continuing every Sunday because of separate walkouts by ScotRail conductors and ticket examiners, while the RMT is also in dispute with Caledonian Sleeper. A strike of its members which started on 15 June and has led to services being suspended is due to end tomorrow.