Ticket examiners join train strike

SCOTRAIL ticket examiners will be on strike tomorrow as part of ongoing industrial action surrounding overtime payments.

Members of the RMT Union, which represents the rail workers, will be downing tools for the day as an agreement over enhanced rest-day payments has not been reached.

The union claims that ticket examiners and conductors do not receive as high a payment for working on days off as drivers do. ScotRail has warned passengers to expect cancellations and delays.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “It is appalling that rather than sitting down with the union to negotiate a fair settlement, Abellio are prepared to play fast and loose with public safety ... still running a Sunday service.

“Our action goes ahead in this fight for pay justice and equality and the union remains available for talks any time, any place, anywhere.”

Phil Campbell, head of customer operations at ScotRail, said: “The RMT’s strike action is wrong and will have a significant impact on customers. At a time when we need to attract people back to the railway to recover the business and secure jobs, the RMT’s damaging actions will turn people away. Industrial action will have no impact on ScotRail’s position ... given the severe financial challenges we face.

“We will do everything we can to minimise the consequences of this action, but recognise that customers will potentially have to find alternative travel solutions as a result.”