Posted 28th May 2021 | 2 Comments
RMT calls for summit meeting over ScotRail disputes
THE RMT is calling for an urgent meeting with transport secretary Michael Matheson as strikes continue on ScotRail every Sunday in disputes over pay for rest day working.
New strike dates for ticket examiners have just been announced, with the walkouts now set to continue into July.
The union said it was ‘crystal clear’ that only the Scottish Government can resolve the disputes, because it is currently funding ScotRail through emergency measures agreements as a result of the pandemic.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has written to Mr Matheson, demanding a meeting.
The ScotRail franchise is to be renationalised in March next year, after the Scottish Government decided to terminate the Abellio franchise early.
Mick Lynch said: ‘The Scottish Government is holding the reins of the ScotRail franchise, and only the Scottish Government can resolve these disputes. Instead of backing the bosses of a failed company and prolonging these disputes into the summer it should be backing the rail worker heroes who have kept our railway moving during the pandemic.’
Meanwhile, the RMT has also announced an 85 per cent vote in favour of walkouts in a pay dispute at the separate Caledonian Sleeper franchise, which is owned by Serco and unaffected by the renationalisation of ScotRail.
The union said its executive will now decide what steps to take next.
Reader Comments:
Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.
Kathleen Danby, Kirkwall
The RMT seem determined to ruin our railway system, at a time when they are particularly vulnerable. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Gordon S Valentine, Stamford
The more strikes the RMT has, the more people it will put off using the trains! Which will mean less money coming in. Which will have to mean big job cuts!