ScotRail conductors balloted on strike action
There's a row over an increase in overtime pay - ScotRail say the timing is wrong as Passenger numbers and revenue remain more than 90 per cent down.
The Union RMT is balloting conductors for strike action in an attempt to force an increase in overtime payments. The ballot began yesterday (18 February 2021) and runs until 11 March 2021.
Strike action could see walkouts on Sundays and staff refusing to work on any days off.
Previously the RMT have balloted all staff on the action, but that didn't meet thresholds so they are targeting these roles in a bid to persuade ScotRail to the negotiation table.
Michael Hogg from RMT told us:
"We feel that we should have a rest day working agreement - we had one previously however that was terminated by ScotRail."
"This ties into the pay also, they've said no to the pay element, they've said no to the rest day pay element"
Hogg says workers want to see their 'key worker' status reflected in their compensation saying:
"They conveniently say we are key or essential workers, but when it comes to rewarding those key local workers we are getting treated with absolute contempt."
ScotRail however claim it's the wrong time to discuss the issue during 'a time of financial crisis'.
The operator say they are facing the the most significant crisis in its history. Passenger numbers and revenue remain more than 90 per cent down compared to before the pandemic.
ScotRail said that cancellations to services relied upon by doctors, nurses, care workers, and other key workers are likely if the RMT follows through on its proposed course of action.
David Simpson who is ScotRail's operations Director says jobs are on the line:
"The RMT is jeopardising the jobs of thousands of railway workers." he said.
“Strike action over increases in overtime payments would be wrong for staff and passengers when the railway faces the biggest financial crisis in its history and is almost entirely reliant on emergency taxpayer and public support to pay wages and keep people in jobs.
“Industrial action will only result in further questions about the justification for the funding that we are receiving and negative reaction from our passengers, which puts jobs at risk.
“Rather than creating division and making the railway a less attractive option for passengers, we need everyone to work together to rebuild ScotRail and create a more sustainable railway for the future.”