ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper staff back strike action in pay dispute

ScotRail workers and staff on the Caledonian Sleeper have voted in favour of a walk-out in an ongoing dispute over pay, the RMT union has said.

Union members at the two publicly-owned rail operators were separately balloted for strike action following a pay offer that was described by the union as “derisory”.

The union said 85% of ballots returned at ScotRail backed strike action, on a 64% turnout.

Meanwhile, members at Caledonian Sleeper, which runs overnight services between various Scottish cities and London, voted 90% in favour of a walk-out, on a turnout of 66%.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “I congratulate RMT members in Scotrail and Caledonian Sleeper for this fantastic ballot result.

“Talks with both sets of employers will be convened in a bid to resolve this dispute.”

The union will be speaking to both employers in an attempt to come to a negotiated settlement.

Responding to the announcement Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “We recognise the hard work of our colleagues and the cost-of-living challenges faced by families across the country and hope that we can come to an agreement on pay which reflects this, as well as providing value for money for the public finances.

“We’re disappointed that RMT members have voted in favour of industrial action while negotiations on a pay offer are ongoing. We are keen to resolve this dispute and remain committed to continuing discussions with our trade union colleagues.”

It is understood that talks between ScotRail and unions, including RMT, took place on Thursday, and that further talks are planned for August 15.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “This is a disappointing outcome, particularly in light of the fair and affordable offer ScotRail has made and is still under discussion through ongoing pay talks.

“For ScotRail staff, the pay offer represents a 9.3% increase in basic pay over three years, plus improvements in other benefits such as maternity and paternity leave.

“Any industrial action will undoubtedly have negative impacts on passengers and also employees. It is also likely to mean continued timetable changes and more short-term cancellations disadvantaging everyone.

“We want to provide a long term, secure future for Scotland’s railway so encouraging more people to travel by rail and ensure. The issues at hand need to be settled but there can be no increase on the current ScotRail pay offer.”