ScotRail 'sabotaging' talks as strikes loom over driver-only trains, says RMT
A rail operator facing a series of strikes in a row over driver-only trains has been accused of "sabotaging" peace talks.
A rail operator facing a series of strikes in a row over driver-only trains has been accused of "sabotaging" peace talks.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said ScotRail was refusing to meet at the conciliation service Acas to try to resolve the dispute.
ScotRail denied the claim. RMT members will stage a series of walkouts in the coming weeks, starting with a 24-hour strike on Tuesday.
General secretary Mick Cash said: "It is extraordinary that, with the serious nature of this dispute, and the impact that it will have on rail services across Scotland, ScotRail have sabotaged the talks planned for today.
"The union has made repeated attempts to get talks moving and it makes no sense at all for the company to continue to blank us unless they are hell-bent on bulldozing through cuts to jobs and safety.
"The workforce know that any extension of driver-only operation is a clear attack on our members' hard-earned terms and conditions.
"RMT members should not have to face the risk of their role and responsibilities being reduced and undermined.
"The workforce also know only too well that there is a very real threat to passengers of watering down and wiping out the safety critical role of the guard on these ScotRail services. That is a lethal gamble with basic rail safety.
"The union remains available for serious and meaningful talks but the ball is now firmly in ScotRail's court."
A ScotRail spokeswoman said: "We'd welcome further talks on Monday to prevent needless strikes - provided that the RMT comes to the table without any preconditions.
"Last Wednesday's planned meeting was overshadowed by the RMT's strike announcement on the Tuesday afternoon, which was hardly conducive to constructive discussion."
ScotRail says it will schedule at least two members of staff on board new trains when they arrive, adding that no conductor will lose their job or any of their terms and conditions.
The company said 59% of Scotland's passengers already travel on trains where the driver opens and closes the doors and a second colleague focuses on safety and customer service.
The RMT said it will stage a protest at ScotRail's offices in Glasgow today to demand talks.
RMT regional organiser for Scotland Mick Hogg was at the protest on the doorstep of the rail firm where supporters were holding RMT flags and banners reading "keep the guard on the train''.
He said talks between the two sides at Acas are due to resume this morning.
He said Mr Vester's claims that the dispute is not about safety are "absolute nonsense''.
He added: "This dispute is not about more money, it's about safety. That's why were are insisting the guard must remain on the train in order to ensure that Scotland's trains do run safely.
"If, God forbid, there was a collision or a derailment there would be no one who is safety trained in order to evacuate the passengers safely. The guard's role is a safety-critical role.''
Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said its inspectors were content that driver-only operations are safe.
Ian Prosser, ORR director of railway safety and HM Chief Inspector of Railways, said: "Trains with doors operated by drivers (known in the industry as 'Driver Only Operation') have been in operation in Great Britain for more than 30 years.
"ORR has scrutinised this approach, and our inspectors are satisfied that with suitable equipment, proper procedures and competent staff in place, it is a safe method of working.
"Great Britain's railways have a good safety record, and are now statistically the safest in Europe.
"Of course, we cannot be complacent, record numbers of passengers getting on and off trains means station and platform safety is a top priority.''