Hundreds of Unite ScotRail members accept pay offer after strike threat

Unite has confirmed that hundreds of ScotRail workers have accepted a pay offer after a strike threat.

The union, which represents more than 300 workers at the publicly-owned railway operator, became the latest to announce a strike ballot for its ScotRail workers in a dispute over pay back in July.

On Wednesday, Unite said 91 percent of members “emphatically” backed a 4.5 percent increase, set to be backdated to take effect from April for one year.

Its members include train cleaners, ticket agents, hospitality assistants, conductors, and engineers who ensure critical safety work is carried out.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s Scotrail membership have given their overwhelming support to a decent wage deal.

“We are pleased to have successfully negotiated a significant boost to our members’ take-home pay.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “The Scotrail pay offer is a credible one. It provides a solid platform for securing better jobs, pay and conditions going forward.”

The bargaining structure for general workers at Scotrail covering engineers is separate from drivers which is covered by different arrangements.

The Aslef and RMT unions are also balloting their ScotRail staff on strike action in a dispute over pay.