Passengers on ScotRail are being warned that some short-notice train cancellations are likely from today as 2000 RMT staff begin an indefinite overtime ban.

The ban follows a 24-hour strike on Monday after pay talks had broken down on 4 October.

The RMT members now refusing to work overtime until further notice include conductors, ticket examiners, station staff, supervisors, CCTV control room operators and depot staff, including cleaners.

ScotRail said the RMT had rejected a five per cent basic pay increase, a six-year job guarantee, a £500 one-off payment for the use of technology such as mobile phones, and improved maternity leave conditions. ScotRail also offered a further payment of £390 and improved commission for staff who deal directly with passengers on trains and stations.

ScotRail is urging the RMT to put the latest pay offer to its members in a ballot.

The operator’s head of customer operations Phil Campbell said: ‘We are really disappointed with this additional industrial action. The ban on overtime does nothing for the railway’s recovery during this challenging time, and in addition to the impact on those travelling, it will further cost our staff with lost income.

‘We do rely on staff working overtime in various parts of the business as we actively recruit to fill vacancies, and unfortunately there will be some daily cancellations starting from 14 October and throughout the period of the RMT’s ban.

‘We will do everything we can to minimise the impact, however there will be some disruption. We are continuing to meet RMT representatives to resolve this dispute.’

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘Our industrial action campaign on ScotRail will continue until we can find a just settlement to our dispute. We are open to meaningful talks with ScotRail at any time to discuss all the outstanding issues.’