Strike prepared amid concerns over “scab army” operation
THE RAIL MARITIME AND TRANSPORT workers union (RMT) has announced the dates for its strike action over fears that Scotrail intends to extend its use of Driver Only Operated (DOO) trains.
The first 24 hours of strike will commence on Tuesday 21 June, and Thursday 23 June and will be followed by 48 hour strike the 25 and 26 of June. Further strike days are scheduled for 3, 10 and 17 July.
The strike days follow a ballot of 75 per cent of balloted RMT members voting for strike from a massive 75 per cent turnout.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is extraordinary that Abellio/Scotrail continue to ignore the strength of feeling amongst their staff over the extension of DOO and that they are still trying to by-pass the normal negotiating machinery.
“That disgraceful and cavalier approach to jobs and safety on Scotland's railways now leaves us with no choice but to move to a campaign of industrial action.
RMT official: Removing guards from trains will threaten safety of passengers
“The workforce also know only too well that there is a very real threat to passengers of watering down and wiping out the safety critical role of the guard on these Scotrail services. That is a lethal gamble with basic rail safety.
“The union remains available for serious and meaningful talks but the ball is now firmly in Scotrail's court.”
The news follows concerns raised by the union the Abellio, which owns the Scotrail franchise, is bringing workers from other parts of its UK operations to break the strike, something the RMT is describing as a scab army.
The Union wants concrete assurances from Scotrail that the numbers of DOO trains, which function without guards and door operators, will not be increased, sighting safety fears.
Scotrail has said it want’s talks to continue rather than industrial action.
Picture courtesy of EDDIE
Check out what people are saying about how important CommonSpace is. Pledge your support today.
