RMT Asks Members To Accept Scotrail Deal

20 September 2016, 15:17 | Updated: 20 September 2016, 15:19

Union leaders are to recommend acceptance of a deal aimed at ending a row over driver-only trains at ScotRail, saying it "set the benchmark'' for talks with other companies.

ScotRail said the agreement included a guarantee that a conductor would be retained as the second member of staff on board new trains being rolled out next year.

The executive of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is to urge members to accept, saying it was a "major breakthrough'' in disputes over driver-only operation, adding it will be used as a benchmark in talks with other companies over the role of guards, including Southern Railway.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "This is more than just a victory for ScotRail, it is a victory for the defence of the role of the guard and a step forward in our continuing campaign against driver-only operation. This agreement will be welcomed by passengers and members alike.

"This agreement guarantees a guard on every new electrified train and that the conductor will retain their full competency (rules, track safety, evacuation).

"In addition, ScotRail confirm that trains operating these services will not run without a competent conductor on board.''

The ScotRail dispute led to several days of strikes over the summer but further planned industrial action was suspended earlier this month to allow for further talks.

ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said: "What we have put forward in our proposal will make our service more efficient and more effective while maintaining and enhancing the service we provide to our customers.

"It means that the new faster, longer, greener trains that will arrive in autumn next year really will be a revolution in how we deliver our service.''