ScotRail talks with Aslef union resume on Thursday in effort to end train driver wage dispute

Talks to end the pay impasse between train drivers and Scotland’s national rail operator are set to resume on Thursday.

Passengers have been affected by weeks of chaos on routes across the country as hundreds of ScotRail workers refuse to work overtime or on rest days in response to a wage increase offer branded “derisory” by the Aslef union.

The executive committee knocked back a second pay offer of 4.2% earlier this month, ensuring the current “emergency timetable” resulting in around 700 services being cancelled remains in place.

Negotiations resumed on Monday, before being adjourned within a matter of hours ahead of the two sides getting back round the table today.

ScotRail service delivery driver David Simpson described the discussions as “constructive”.

He added: “It’s positive that Aslef have recognised that the negotiations need compromise and have been willing to explore further the significantly improved offer that has been made,

“We’re hopeful we can resolve the current dispute and work together to encourage people back to the railway.”

The new timetable resulted in the frequency of trains being cut and the times of last trains being brought forward.

Football fans were forced to abandon plans to watch Scotland face Armenia at Hampden or leave the national stadium early to make the last trains home following the match on Wednesday evening.

Last week, the union’s Scottish organiser, Kevin Lindsay, said: “If we get an improved and acceptable offer, there will be no strike action. It’s as simple as that.

“The ball is clearly in ScotRail’s court now, they can come up with an improved offer using the money that is already there in this package.

“Let’s get a deal sorted, let’s get the railway running, that is what we want.”