Scotland faces further rail strikes as RMT union Network Rail staff walk out

Disruption is expected as rail workers in Scotland are to stage a series of fresh strikes in the long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) members have announced that nationwide walkouts will take place on March 16 in a continued dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Members will then also launch a ban on overtime.

While the strike does not involve ScotRail staff, the industrial action will have a knock-on effect for services as Network Rail staff occupy critical safety roles.

The union, which represents 40,000 workers across Network Rail rejected offers from employers last week.

The RMT accused employers of refusing to put any new offers on the table.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Rail employers are not being given a fresh mandate by the Government to offer our members a new deal on pay, conditions and job security.

“Therefore, our members will now take sustained and targeted industrial action over the next few months.

“The Government can settle this dispute easily by unshackling the rail companies.

“However, its stubborn refusal to do so will now mean more strike action across the railway network and a very disruptive overtime ban.

“Ministers cannot continue to sit on their hands hoping this dispute will go away as our members are fully prepared to fight tooth and nail for a negotiated settlement in the months ahead.”