Rail workers plan to strike over safety

RMT will stage two days of walk-outs over CCTV cuts

Rail workers are striking over mooted safety cuts at Paisley Gilmour Street.

Trade union RMT is staging two days of walk-outs at the hub over proposals to slash CCTV roles.

Operators monitor activity on platforms and across stations.

They warn passengers will be put at-risk if ScotRail down-sizing takes place.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, revealed industrial action will take place next month and in June.

He said: “It defies belief that in the current climate, where anti-social behaviour, assaults and security threats are rife, that Scotrail would be decimating their CCTV operations in this cavalier fashion.

“RMT members concerns are being ignored by the company and as a result we have no option but to confirm this programme of industrial action.

“RMT remains available for talks but it is now down to ScotRail to start listening, recognise the seriousness of this issue and engage on a serious and meaningful basis with the union.”

Union chiefs say 17 posts have been identified for the axe across Paisley and Dunfermline.

They insist remaining workers will be forced to pick up the slack – including changes to shift patterns.

RMT insists cuts come during a surge in aggressive behaviour and attacks at stations across the network.

Teams will refuse to book on for shifts in protest after voting “overwhelmingly” to down tools on Saturday, May 5 and Monday, June 11.

Colleagues at the TSSA union have already backed strike action on the same dates – as well as on May 19, the day of the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

ScotRail insists journeys will not be affected by the strikes.

A spokesman said: “We have contingency measures in place to ensure that any proposed action will have no impact on the service our customers receive.

“We are disappointed with this decision but will continue discussions with our people.

“The safety of our employees and customers is our priority, which is why our proposals will improve safety and enhance the information we provide to our customers.”