More train strikes on the way RMT will strike on the same days as rail repairs
Admitted threats
East Kilbride commuters are set to be hit by more rail strikes - this time alongside repair work to the line.
Train users have been hit by several delays over the past few weeks, with the ongoing dispute between Scotrail and RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) with the latest strike occurring last Sunday (July 31).
RMT have now announced a fresh round of strikes on Sunday, August 7, Thursday, August 11, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.
On both of these Sundays Scotrail will also be making essential repairs to the EK line, which could cause even more delays.
The problems stem from a dispute over an increase in the number of trains without guards.
RMT want to highlight the issue at the core of the dispute is safety and the safetycritical role of the guard - which has led to several strike days over the past two months.
Trains from the EK stations have been reduced to just one per hour on strike days.
A ScotRail spokeswoman urged commuters to keep up-to-date with travel timetables online and on social media during the strikes.
She told the News: “Sadly, this type of behaviour from the RMT has been all too common during this dispute. They say that they are open to talks, but their words are not matched by their deeds.
“We held discussions with the RMT which we would describe as encouraging. We talked through some ideas and we agreed to come together again to discuss them further.
“It really is the most extraordinary act of bad faith for the RMT to leave these positive talks and to immediately announce another round of strikes.
“These needless strikes are really hurting our people financially.
“We have guaranteed the jobs, pay and terms and conditions for our conductors and we have said that we will always schedule a second member of staff on board to look after our customers.
“Fifty-nine per cent of people who travel by train in Scotland do so on a service where the driver opens and closes the doors, while a second member of staff is there for safety and customer service duties.
“This has been the case for decades. The people who regulate safety on our railway - and we have the safest rail service in Europe - have said that this is a safe way of working.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash defended the action, stating: “Recent rock-solid strikes on ScotRail have been supported by the travelling public who understand that the staff are fighting for the basic principles of rail safety.
“In spite of this Abellio/Scotrail continue to ignore the strength of feeling amongst their staff and passengers over the extension of DOO.
“That is why we have no choice but to announce further strike dates.” Sentence was deferred on a homeless yob who challenged another woman to a fight at Lindsay House.
Jamie Lee Mather (26), who resides at the Village homeless unit, admitted to a charge of threatening behaviour by making threats on July 20 while on bail.
She denied a further charge of resisting arrest by struggling violently with police.
Her pleas were accepted by the prosecutor at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
Mather was ordained to appear at the court for sentencing on August 22.