ScotRail’s RMT conductors vote for strike action

RMT conductor members at ScotRail have voted to strike regarding overtime payments during the pandemic.

The ballot result was 75% Yes (353) against 25% No (117), while the result for industrial action short of a strike (for example, a ban on overtime or rest day working) was 85% Yes (403) and 15% No (68).

ScotRail said it will wait for further information regarding the action, and work to minimise any impact on services. It added that because of the severe financial challenges faced by the company, the result will have no action on its position on overtime pay increases.

The operator claims passenger numbers and revenue is down more than 90% from prepandemic levels, and that its Emergency Measures Agreement (EMA) with the Scottish Government meant none of its 5,200 staff were furloughed.

It highlighted that between March and September last year, it received £215 million in subsidy to continue running services, and that it expects more money to be needed after March 31 when the current deal expires.

The ballot action follows a pay freeze for conductors, whereas SR drivers received an increase as part of a two-year deal agreed with ASLEF. Part of the latter was due to planned recruitment of extra drivers that would prevent the need for Rest Day Working. The pandemic has meant that plan has been put on hold, owing to difficulties surrounding training new staff.

SR Operations Director David Simpson said: “I am disappointed the RMT’s conductor members have voted for strike action during a pandemic. It is the wrong decision for railway staff and our passengers.

“Strike action at a time of national crisis, when we have required emergency government support just to stay afloat and when we benefit from a level of job security not enjoyed by other industries, is wrong. It will damage ScotRail’s credibility at a time when we need to attract people back to the railway when COVID-19 restrictions allow.”