RMT slam 'sheer brass neck' as ScotRail accept employer award

A union has slammed ScotRail as having a “sheer brass neck” for accepting a top employer award.

RMT, which has been involved in a long running dispute with the company over pay, said “it would be sheer brass neck” to celebrate the win if the employer “refused to make a decent pay offer” to workers.

ScotRail was given the Large Business Employer Award at the Proud Scotland Awards, which celebrate the work of individuals and organisations who support the LGBTQI+ community.

According to the Proud Scotland Award website, the award celebrates “creating a culture conducive to happiness and security within the workplace.”

ScotRail services have been disrupted for almost seven months amid the ongoing dispute, with most Sunday services being cancelled.

Workers are now balloting over the decision to strike when climate conference COP26 is held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “It’s beyond belief that ScotRail have landed an award for being a good employer focussed on staff happiness and security having spent more than six months abusing and belittling their workers engaged in a struggle for basic pay justice and equality every single Sunday.

“It would be sheer brass neck after larging it up on social media parading this gong if ScotRail refuse to make a decent pay offer and continue to deny their workers equality and justice across all grades.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “Scotland’s railway is for everyone, and we’re proud to be recognised for our work to promote diversity and inclusion. This means it’s important for us to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers.

“The RMT Union should also be proud that their members have helped create a culture at ScotRail that is welcoming and inclusive to people from all walks of life.

“Any attempt to try and tarnish this achievement is wholly inappropriate from the RMT.”