Strike threat on railways

TRAIN drivers could strike for the first time in 20 years after talks between a rail union and transport bosses failed to reach an agreement over pay.

Aslef met with ScotRail yesterday to discuss a pay increase amid rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. It is understood ScotRail has offered drivers a 2.2% increase .

Kevin Lindsay of Aslef said: “Aslef members who have kept the country moving throughout the pandemic have been presented with a derisory pay offer from ScotRail management which takes no account of the cost-ofliving crisis workers face.

“Just one month into the Scottish Government’s stewardship of ScotRail, we are being left with no option but to consider action in response.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We would encourage (rail unions) to continue meaningful dialogue with ScotRail so a mutually agreeable outcome can be reached.”