Commuters facing further chaos with next wave of strikes
SCOTS commuters have been warned to expect further ‘significant disruption’ as the rail network is hit by another wave of strikes.
ScotRail has urged people to avoid travelling tomorrow amid action by the RMT Union, with services on Thursday also likely to be affected.
Only five routes in the Central Belt will be in operation during the strike, while no services will run beyond 6.30pm.
It comes as bosses at the Unite union confirmed staff on Glasgow’s underground will walk out on four days next month, beginning with Rangers’ first home fixture of the season.
Tomorrow’s RMT strikes are part of three days of planned action by the union amid an ongoing dispute with Network Rail over conditions and pay.
Further strikes will take place on August 18 and 20, which will see the same limited services operating as tomorrow.
Two trains will run per hour on the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk High line, the Edinburgh-Bathgate
line, the Glasgow to Hamilton/Larkhall line and the Glasgow to Lanark line. One train an hour will run on the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts service.
David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: ‘Regrettably, this strike action by RMT members of Network Rail means that we will not be able to operate the vast majority of our services during the period of strike action.
‘Customers should expect significant disruption to services on strike days, as well as the following day.’
Network Rail blamed the RMT for being ‘hell bent’ on continuing ‘political campaigning, rather than compromising and agreeing a deal for their members’.
Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: ‘I can only apologise for the impact this pointless strike will have on passengers.
‘It is frustrating to yet again ask our passengers to change their plans and only make essential journeys.’
But general secretary for RMT Mick Lynch claimed the action was necessary due to Network Rail’s failure to make ‘any improvement’ on its previous offer. He said: ‘Our members are more determined than ever to secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions.’
Meanwhile, Glasgow Subway workers confirmed they will strike on August 6, 9, 13 and 27. The initial strike will clash with Rangers’ first home fixture against Kilmarnock.
The decision follows a row between Unite members and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport over last-minute changes to duty schedules.
Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham
‘It is frustrating yet again’
Simpson said: ‘The dates for this industrial action have been cynically chosen to maximise the disruption to Rangers fans on match days when thousands of them use the subway.’
Willie Thomson, Unite industrial officer, claimed the strikes were a ‘last resort’.
He said: ‘Our members are angry about the unfair duty rosters which have resulted in shift changes at short notice. This is detrimental to our members’ work life balance.’