ScotRail intends to run ‘as many trains as possible this Sunday’ after union bosses were able to thrash out on a new pay deal for workers.
Yesterday saw the RMT trade union agree a deal with ScotRail for a 2.5% pay rise backdated to April ahead of the COP26 climate change summit.
Workers will also be given a one-off ‘COP26 payment’ following the talks between trade union and transport bosses.
Workers had initially intended to walk out for the duration of the climate change conference before the announcement on Wednesday evening.
And it is also good news for Scots, who have been unable to board a ScotRail train on a Sunday since March.
ScotRail confirmed that it hopes to run a ‘full timetable’ on a Sunday for the first time in more than six months due to industrial action.
A spokesperson told the Daily Record : “It is our intention to run as many trains as possible on Sunday.
“Full details will be made available as soon as we confirm them.”
ScotRail strike action during COP26 appeared to be going ahead before a last minute deal was tabled by the RMT union last night.
The Scottish Government and ScotRail imposed a deadline of 5pm that evening for a resolution to the dispute over pay and conditions.
In a letter to union members after Wednesday evening’s talks, RMT general secretary Michael Lynch said: “I can advise you that subsequent negotiations have been held and that your union made a counter offer to ScotRail.
"By accepting the offer all industrial action is now cancelled and I instruct you to work normally on the days you had previously been instructed to take action on.”
A statement released by ScotRail on Wednesday night outlined the agreement that had been reached.
The transport operator confirmed the one-year pay deal comprising of a 2.5 per cent pay increase backdated to 01 April 2021.
They added there will also be a payment of £300 to all staff ensuring COP26 is fully supported and a three-hour book-on allowance applied to each rest day worked, applicable for 12 months from the date of the agreement.
Ian McConnell, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have reached a pay agreement with the RMT trade union that resolves strike action.
“We look forward to Scotland’s Railway playing its part in delivering a successful COP26 next week.”
