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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

ScotRail trains face further chaos as 50,000 Network Rail employees set to strike

Scotland's rail services are set to be thrown into further turmoil as the biggest strike in three decades is set to go ahead at the end of June.

RMT Union have confirmed that on June 21, 23 and 25, 50,000 rail workers across the UK will walk out, making it the biggest national rail strike since 1989.

The union confirmed that it will shut down the country's railway network on these dates due to the inability of the rail employers to come to a negotiated settlement with RMT.

READ MORE: ScotRail 'sorry' after Edinburgh passengers left to use overflowing train toilet

This means further chaos in Scotland is projected, with ScotRail issuing a response on their social media channels in light of the announcement.

They said: "ScotRail update as RMT union announces strikes on 21, 23 & 25 June: As this includes Network Rail staff in Scotland, our services will be affected.

"The impact is expected to be significant with a limited service operating, if at all. We'll share more info when we have it."

The rail provider did not confirm that all services were cancelled yet, saying that they will post more in-depth information as they get it.

It is also not clear whether staff working for ScotRail are involved in the strike, although the volume of Network Rail employees walking out will cause significant cancellations and delays.

The Caledonian Sleeper train also tweeted a response to the strike action, however as they have already agreed a pay deal with the employees, they will not be involved in the dispute.

On their website, RMT added: "Network Rail and the train operating companies have subjected their staff to multiyear pay freezes and plan to cut thousands of jobs which will make the railways unsafe.

"Despite intense talks with the rail bosses, RMT has not been able to secure a pay proposal nor a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies.

"In a separate dispute over pensions and job losses, London Underground RMT members will take strike action on June 21st."

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.

"We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1pc and rising.

"Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.

"Rail companies are making at least £500m a year in profits, whilst fat cat rail bosses have been paid millions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This unfairness is fuelling our members anger and their determination to win a fair settlement.

"RMT is open to meaningful negotiations with rail bosses and ministers, but they will need to come up with new proposals to prevent months of disruption on our railways."

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