ScotRail warn of further disruption as RMT union plan further strike action on October 29

Passengers have been warned to expect more disruption on Scotland’s railways as ScotRail staff stage further strike action.

Members of the RMT trade union will take part in a 24 hour walkout on Saturday, October 29, resulting in a limited number of rail services for passengers.

Rugby fans heading to Murrayfield for the Scotland v Australia game are among those being urged by the rail provider to find another means of travel.

It follows strike action by ScotRail RMT members earlier this month and is a result of the union’s rejection of a new pay offer.

More than 2,000 ScotRail employees are members of the RMT, including conductors, ticket examiners, hospitality and station staff, engineering depot staff, train presentation staff, supervisors, resource co-ordinators, and CCTV operators.

ScotRail has confirmed it will operate a limited service between 7.30am and 6.30pm on October 29 on just three routes linking Milngavie with Glasgow and Edinburgh, and connecting Glasgow and South Lanarkshire.

It comes as ScotRail members of the RMT’s general grades are also currently taking part in an overtime and rest day working ban as part of action short of a strike.

This industrial action has resulted in some daily cancellations across ScotRail networks since October 14.

Members of the RMT within Network Rail also announced they will take part in 24-hour strike action on November 3, 5 and 7.

This dispute does not involve ScotRail staff but will have a knock-on effect for the rail operator, meaning services will be impacted.

ScotRail say further plans for these dates will be announced at a later stage.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We’re really disappointed that the dispute with the RMT remains ongoing, given the strength of the improved pay offer ScotRail made.

“Further strike action has a damaging effect on railway’s recovery at a time when we should be encouraging more people to travel. Instead, our customers are being severely impacted and our staff losing out through lost wages.

“Regrettably, we won’t be able to operate the vast majority of our services on Saturday, October 29, and customers should expect significant disruption to services due to the large proportion of ScotRail staff who are members of the RMT trade union.

“We’re advising customers, including rugby fans intending to travelling to Scotland’s first autumn international at Murrayfield, to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel by train if they really need to.

“We remain open to resolving 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.”

Rail services running on Saturday, October 29:

Milngavie – Edinburgh Waverley via Glasgow Queen Street Low Level (half hourly service)
Glasgow Central – Lanark (hourly service)
Glasgow Central – Larkhall (hourly service)