Workers at ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper have overwhelmingly voted in favor of strike action due to a pay dispute. According to the RMT union, the decision follows what they describe as an inadequate pay offer.
Voting Results
At ScotRail, 85 percent of union members supported strike action in a ballot with a 64 percent turnout. Staff at the Caledonian Sleeper, which operates overnight services between Scottish cities and London, voted 90 percent in favor of a walk-out, with a turnout of 66 percent. These results signal a strong dissatisfaction among workers regarding their compensation.
Union Response
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:
“I congratulate RMT members in Scotrail and Caledonian Sleeper for this fantastic ballot result.
“Talks with both sets of employers will be convened in a bid to resolve this dispute.”
“We recognise the hard work of our colleagues and the cost-of-living challenges faced by families across the country and hope that we can come to an agreement on pay which reflects this, as well as providing value for money for the public finances.
“We’re disappointed that RMT members have voted in favour of industrial action while negotiations on a pay offer are ongoing. We are keen to resolve this dispute and remain committed to continuing discussions with our trade union colleagues.”
Ongoing Negotiations
ScotRail and the unions, including the RMT, discussed the vote on Thursday, August 8, with further talks scheduled for Thursday, August 15. The Scottish Government has expressed disappointment over the vote, particularly given that the current pay offer includes a 9.3 percent increase in basic pay over three years, along with enhanced benefits such as improved maternity and paternity leave.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “This is a disappointing outcome, particularly in light of the fair and affordable offer ScotRail has made and is still under discussion through ongoing pay talks.
“For ScotRail staff, the pay offer represents a 9.3% increase in basic pay over three years, plus improvements in other benefits such as maternity and paternity leave.
“Any industrial action will undoubtedly have negative impacts on passengers and also employees. It is also likely to mean continued timetable changes and more short-term cancellations disadvantaging everyone.
“We want to provide a long term, secure future for Scotland’s railway so encouraging more people to travel by rail and ensure. The issues at hand need to be settled but there can be no increase on the current ScotRail pay offer.”
