Passengers told to expect rail disruption as pay dispute continues

Scotland’s railway bosses have been told to “get serious” over pay talks, ahead of further disruption expected on Friday.

Passengers have been told to expect cancellations to services at short notice due to a ban on overtime working.

Members of the RMT union are refusing to work overtime or on rest days – which ScotRail has relied upon due to staffing shortages.

Union bosses are calling for an improved pay offer to be made after an offer of 5% was rejected.

They are seeking to secure a deal which acknowledges the rising cost of living.

ScotRail has advised passengers to plan ahead and to check their journey before they travel.

“Due to an overtime ban by RMT members of ScotRail from Friday, October 14, we’re advising customers to expect some short notice cancellations to services,” they said.

“We will provide as much information as possible on which services are affected across our social channels, our website and the ScotRail app.

“Please plan ahead and check before you start your journey.”

RMT Scotland has urged ScotRail bosses to make a fresh pay offer after talks were held on Thursday.

They said: “The RMT negotiating team met with ScotRail bosses today and are disappointed by their failure to make an improved pay offer.

“ScotRail proposed the same 5% offer which has already been rejected in a referendum, in a ballot for industrial action and unanimously by our company and council representatives.”

They added: “Scotland’s railway bosses need to get serious and make a pay offer which acknowledges the rising cost of living.”