ScotRail workers to strike every Friday and Saturday during December in ongoing pay dispute

Rail workers are set to walk out every Friday and Saturday in December in a wave of strike action before Christmas as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are considering plans for industrial action each weekend in the festive season – including on Christmas Eve – as part of the row with ScotRail.

More than 2,000 staff working as conductors, ticket examiners, station staff, engineering depot staff and CCTV operators will take part in the action between December 2 and 24.

Workers will also strike on Saturday, November 19 under the plans, scuppering travel for thousands of rugby fans travelling to watch Scotland face Argentina at Murrayfield.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch previously accused bosses of “torpedoing negotiations” for a new deal after attempting to change members’ terms and conditions.

Workers are set to strike on November 5 and November 7 and 9 next week as part of the dispute.

The December strikes are likely to cause significant disruption to journeys during the festive period.

Regional officer Mick Hogg said workers “did not want the havoc” caused by the strikes, but urged the rail firm to get back round the table and agree to an 8.2% rise.

Union bosses are set to meet with the company on Friday.

“We need to find a resolution to this dispute,” he said.

“We don’t want the carnage but if no solution is found soon, it will be havoc.

“[Our members] want a decent cost of living pay increase that actually reflects where the inflation rate is. I’m talking 8.2% or thereabouts.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We absolutely respect the democratic right of union members to take industrial action and welcome the continued constructive discussions between ScotRail and the Scottish representatives of the RMT members.

“This collaborative approach is distinct from that taken elsewhere in the UK, particularly on the issue of minimum service levels.

“It is really disappointing, however, that union leaders continue to deny their members a referendum on the latest pay offer, one which would benefit lower paid ScotRail workers in particular.

“Even more disappointing is this latest threat of additional strikes in the lead up to Christmas particularly as this will not lead to any increased pay offer.

“If carried out, these strikes would potentially leave RMT members far worse off at a time when many will already feel the impacts of the costs crisis.”