Scotrail asks retired train drivers to return to work
ATTEMPTS to lure retired train drivers back to work amid Scotrail staff shortages have been branded “ridiculous” and “absolutely shambolic”.
The number of trains cancelled in Scotland because of staff shortages has more than doubled in six years amid criticism from trade unions over comparatively low pay and a failure to recruit and retain enough drivers.
Aslef figures show Scotrail pays train drivers £47,180 a year, putting it 39th place in a pay table of 45 UK operators.
Now Scotrail operator Abellio has begun contacting retired drivers to ask if they want to return. It comes as Scotrail prepares to introduce new fleets and services.
Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said: “The successive failures of Abellio management to recruit and retain drivers has led to the ridiculous situation of Abellio attempting to bring retired drivers back into the railway. These drivers have worked hard and deserve dignity in retirement without being harassed back into the railway.”
Scottish Labour transport spokesman Colin Smyth said: “What an absolutely shambolic situation.
“Scotrail was quick to blame the late arrival of new trains for delays in training drivers but the reality is there was not enough drivers to train.”
Scotrail confirmed it was approaching retired drivers, but said no one was being “harassed back into the railway”. It declined to say how old such drivers were, how many it had contacted and what response it had received.
There is no age limit for drivers, although Aslef said they should retire at the state pension age.
A spokesman for Abellio said a recruitment drive launched last summer for frontline staff, including drivers, “is helping us significantly in enhancing the day-to-day running of services for our customers.”
He added: “The recruitment process is inclusive and we are considering all available options.”
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: “It is for individual operators to ensure they have enough staff to deliver their franchise obligations.”