Sunday Scotrail strikes set to continue after union vote

The pay dispute has been going on for six months

Author: Rob WallerPublished 23rd Sep 2021
Last updated 23rd Sep 2021

Scotrail ticket examiners have voted to continue a series of weekly strikes which have been affecting train services on Sundays for the last six months.

The RMT union says 90% of members who voted supported continuation of the industrial action about pay.

Under the recent legal changes union members have to be balloted every six months for long-running strikes to remain legal.

A "stunning result"

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "This is a stunning result and I want to congratulate our members who have stood firm alongside their conductor colleagues for over six months in this fight for pay justice and equality.

“Today’s result will now be considered by the unions executive.

"Our campaign of action continues this Sunday and it is now down to Scotrail and their political masters to take this key group of staff seriously, to stop snubbing talks and to get round the table with the union to negotiate a fair and just settlement. "

A ScotRail spokesperson said:

“It’s disappointing that the RMT’s ticket examiner members have voted to continue with their long-running strike."

“We’re seeing customers gradually return to Scotland’s Railway, but our financial position is precarious, and any strike action is damaging and wrong at a time when we need to deliver a safe and reliable service."

“To build a more sustainable and greener railway for the future and reduce the burden on the taxpayer, we need to change."

"All of us in the railway – management, staff, trade unions, suppliers, and government – need to work together to modernise the railway so that it is fit for the future.”

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