The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Threat of strike action lifted by rail unions
New offer from ScotRail to lift threat of enforced night shifts from those with children halts dispute...though there may still be cup final day walkout
Rail workers have called off a strike this weekend but could still walk out on Scottish Cup final day in a row over ScotRail CCTV-monitoring staff.
The TSSA union said it has called off its planned strike tomorrow following a new offer by ScotRail to allow for further talks.
The union claims CCTV staff are “overstretched” following acceptance of 17 applications for voluntary redundancy from 22 specialist staff, and also criticised plans to impose new compulsory night shifts on employees whose family and child care commitments meant they could not work nights.
Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, met Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf during attempts to resolve the issue.
The TSSA said members who have overnight care responsibilities for children and sick relatives have now been told they do not have to work night shifts.
Mr Cortes said: “This is a dispute that should never have happened. ScotRail management should hang their heads in shame for trying to impose night shifts on parents who can’t simply leave their children home alone.
“And of course the new night shift rosters would never have been needed if ScotRail management hadn’t allowed way too many people in their CCTV centres to take voluntary severance, leaving the team understaffed and underskilled.
“We are pleased that at long last ScotRail now appear to be seeing sense.
“They have made a new offer which we are happy to sit down in talks and explore whether this can lead to a resolution our members can access.
“However, we aren’t out of the woods and our strike on Scottish Cup final weekend will go ahead if no progress is made before then.”
Celtic play Motherwell in the final on May 19 at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
The RMT union has also suspended the industrial action it had planned for tomorrow, saying the firm has agreed that present working practices will remain the same until a review is completed.
The union had not proposed striking on cup final day but has planned action for June 11 and 12.
David Lister, ScotRail Alliance sustainability and safety assurance director, said discussions on the issue will continue this week.
He said: “Trains will run as normal over the weekend and for the Scottish Cup final. 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.”