Relief for rail passengers as drivers vote to accept Scotrail pay deal
Members of the Aslef union have agreed to their improved terms, paving the way for an end to weeks of disruption
Scotrail’s emergency timetable, which has led to the cancellation of hundreds of services, is set to come to an end after train drivers accepted an improved pay offer.
Union Aslef announced on Monday that its members voted in favour of new pay and conditions from the newly nationalised rail operator.
In May, members refused to work overtime or rest days as part of the pay dispute.
This led to hundreds of services being cut from timetables on May 23, with Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth saying it would provide greater certainty.
Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said: "Following a ballot on the improved offer negotiated with ScotRail, Aslef members have voted to accept the proposals on pay and conditions.
"Aslef is a democratic, lay, member-led union, and I want to thank our members for their engagement and response to the ballot."
Speaking to MFR News after the announcement Scotrail’s Head of Customer Operations Phil Campbell said he was happy with the outcome: “Both sides engaged in it productively and efficiently, and I’m glad and pleased to say that we’ve got an agreement that will allow us to get back to running the normal timetable.”
Asked when the timetable would return to normal Mr Campbell continued: “We’ll engage with Aslef in the days ahead, and we’ll make an announcement in the next few days.
“Our aim is to do it as soon as we possibly can, however it’s a complex process to get the timetable back up and running, so in the meantime the temporary timetable will remain.”
An end to the disruption of the past several weeks
In June, ScotRail offered train drivers a pay increase of 5% following negotiations with the union.
The reduced timetable has affected a number of large events across Scotland, including Scotland's World Cup qualifier match against Ukraine at Hampden Park and the Trnsmt festival in Glasgow.
As well as a 5% pay increase, drivers will also get more money for rest day and Sunday working, driving instructor and maternity pay along with a policy of no compulsory redundancies for the next five years.
Minister praises "progressive approach to industrial relations"
Commenting on Monday's announcement, Ms Gilruth said: "I welcome the endorsement of this pay offer by Aslef members.
"We have worked hard in Scotland engaging with the employers to ensure the right offer is put on the table to reach a negotiated and agreed settlement on pay."
She continued: "It is this Government's belief that a progressive approach to industrial relations, and an effective voice for workers through trades unions, is at the heart of a fairer, more successful society.
"I would like to thank the negotiating teams at ScotRail for their hard work, and Aslef for negotiating in good faith.
"The Scottish Government will honour the agreement to fund the previously agreed 2.2% through the public sector pay policy, with the remainder being self-funded through increased revenue and roster flexibilities.”