Train drivers asked to say yes to 5% rise

Abreakthrough in pay talks could prevent train drivers walking out after their union, Aslef, recommended accepting a 5% pay offer.

Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said yesterday: “We are pleased that significant progress has been made in our latest round of talks with Scotrail.”

Mr Lindsay said Scotrail had also made a number of “improved offers”, and described the developments as a breakthrough.

He said: “We have received improved offers on pay for rest day working, Sunday working allowances, driving instructor allowances, maternity pay and an extension of no compulsory redundancies to five years.

“There has also been an improved proposal around the non-consolidated revenue scheme.”

The union is also exploring the option of including Sundays as part of the working week.

At the moment, drivers’ rotas are made up on the basis of a six-day working week, with Sunday a rest day.

However, this change, if brought in, would not happen until 2027.

“All these proposals, we believe, represent a breakthrough and significant progress and is a recognition of the vital role our members play for society and the economy,” added Mr Lindsay.

“The full Aslef negotiating team is recommending acceptance of the offer to our members through a referendum subject to executive committee approval.”

Drivers recently refused to work Sundays, resulting in widespread train cancellations.

And last month, Scotrail was forced to introduce a temporary timetable, slashing 700 services.

Now there has been a break in the stalemate between Scotrail and Aslef, commuters will be hoping for an end to the temporary timetable.

David Simpson, service delivery director at Scotrail, said: “We’ve made a really good offer that recognises the cost of living challenges faced by families across the country and delivers good value for the public.

“The feedback we’ve had from many drivers is that they recognise we have made a series of very good offers and we are pleased they will get a say in a referendum.

“The railway plays a vital role in growing the economy and connecting communities.

“Now more than ever we all need to work together to attract more people to the railway as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

However, the misery is far from over for travellers as rail services across the rest of the UK are braced for disruption on June 21, 23 and 25.

This is over a Uk-wide dispute on pay, jobs and pensions involving RMT union members.

DISPUTE: Aslef is recommending its members accept Scotrail’s latest pay offer.