ScotRail conductors vote to continue strike action

ScotRail conductors have voted to continue strike action amidst an ongoing dispute over pay.

Rail union RMT said that 80% of their members backed further industrial action, after almost six months of the dispute with the rail operator.

Under current regulations, workers required to be balloted every six months if they wish to continue an on-going dispute.

ScotRail said that industrial action is “completely wrong”, as passengers return to using its services.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a stunning result and I want to congratulate our members who have stood firm for over six months in this fight for pay justice and equality in the face of outrageous provocation from the employer.

“Our campaign of action continues and it is now down to ScotRail and their political masters to take this key group of staff seriously, to stop snubbing talks and to get round the table with the union to negotiate a fair and just settlement.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “Industrial action is completely wrong at a time when we are seeing a gradual increase in the number of customers, but with passenger numbers at only 50 per cent of the pre-COVID level, this is not the time to put that recovery in jeopardy.

“Railway jobs are being put at risk by the reckless actions of the RMT and we are urging union bosses to think again and call off industrial action.”