ScotRail staff to be balloted for strike action over driver-only trains

Scotrail workers are to be balloted for strikes in a dispute over driver-only operation.

More than 100 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will vote in the next few weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.

The union said the move was in response to plans to run services on Barrhead and East Kilbride routes without a second member of staff, at the discretion of the driver.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Scotrail are trying to sneak through DOO (driver-only operation) by the backdoor by putting train drivers in a difficult position, giving them the power to decide whether a train runs or not without a second staff member on board.

“It is important for safety and the comfort of passengers that a second person is on these Scotrail services and we will resist all attempts to endanger our members jobs.

“The Scottish government needs to make an intervention to stop DOO on the Barrhead and East Kilbride routes taking place.

“Members will be incensed at the behaviour of Scotrail bosses and we are confident they will deliver a strong mandate for strike action.”

The ballot will end on April 11.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “We are absolutely committed to working with our trade union colleagues, and we hope that meaningful talks can continue to find a suitable resolution.

“Our proposals will not result in anyone within the business losing their jobs, or their terms and conditions, and will in fact see the recruitment of almost 120 additional members of staff.

“As a publicly owned company, it is critical that we continue to deliver value for money for the taxpayer and this represents a fantastic opportunity to do that.”