ScotRail set to resume talks with train drivers union over pay dispute on Thursday

ScotRail are set to resume talks with a train drivers union over a pay dispute, which has seen over 700 rail services cut, on Thursday.

Aslef members have refused to work overtime or on rest days as a result of the dispute, and last week rejected a ‘derisory’ 4.2% pay offer.

The dispute has led to the newly-nationalised rail company introducing a temporary timetable in May, cutting a third of services.

Talks continued on Monday, before being adjourned within a matter of hours, but ScotRail since deemed the discussions to be “constructive”.

Further negotiations are now planned to take place in Glasgow on Thursday.

Kevin Lindsay, the union’s Scottish organiser, has said that he believes a deal is “close” and that the ball is in ScotRail’s court.

Transport minister Jenny Gilruth has said she cannot divulge the value of four contracts with ScotRail’s former operator, Abellio, that have continued since the service was nationalised.

She said: “I’m afraid I cannot disclose the financials involved in these contracts because they are commercially sensitive.

“It was prudent to carry over a limited number of contracts, whether delivered by Abellio or other suppliers to maintain ScotRail services from day one of public ownership and to give that continuity of service for passengers and for staff alike.”

“There are only four Abellio contracts from the almost 200 suppliers that remain in place, and three of those have a one year break clause point which will allow for competitive alternatives to be looked at.

“So the approach taken has been a pragmatic one, but this is particularly pertinent when you consider the fourth contract, crucially which secures, of course, jobs at the ScotRail services centre in Glasgow.”