Scotrail guards to stage six 24-hour strikes
Guards on ScotRail are to stage six 24-hour strikes in the coming weeks in a dispute over driver-only trains.
Guards on ScotRail are to stage six 24-hour strikes in the coming weeks in a dispute over driver-only trains.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union will walk out on June 21, 23 and 25 and on July 3, 10 and 17.
Union members will also ban overtime on various days between June 22 and mid-July.
The union said its policy is for no extension of driver-only trains on any route or service and for the guard to be in full operational control of the power-operated doors.
Union members have voted for industrial action, with the RMT criticising Abellio, which runs the franchise, for not giving assurances about any extension of driver-only trains (DOO).
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "It is extraordinary that Abellio/ScotRail continue to ignore the strength of feeling amongst their staff over the extension of DOO and that they are still trying to bypass the normal negotiating machinery.
"That disgraceful and cavalier approach to jobs and safety on Scotland's railways now leaves us with no choice but to move to a campaign of industrial action.
"Our members on ScotRail stand determined and united in this fight for jobs and safety on Scotland's rail services. They have not been fooled by the company dirty tricks and their attempt to influence and distort a democratic, secret ballot of the staff has backfired spectacularly, with 75% voting for strike action on a 75% turnout - busting through the thresholds of even the most rabid, anti-union sections of the hard right.
"The workforce know that any extension of DOO 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.''
A ScotRail spokesman said: "We believe that the solution to this dispute lies in talks, not strikes. We look forward to getting round the table again for continued talks with RMT tomorrow.''