04.08.16
RMT suspends ScotRail strikes
RMT has lifted a threat of five days of strikes on ScotRail after the company made it a new agreement in the dispute over driver-only operated (DOO) services.
The strikes would have been the latest in a series RMT has organised in protest at plans to expand DOO services, where train conductors do not have the power to open doors.
The breakthrough came after ScotRail conceded a promise to keep conductors on its new electrified services.
Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT, said: “The union has made sufficient progress to enable us to suspend the current programme of industrial action on ScotRail.”
ScotRail and RMT are now holding detailed discussions on the issue of platform train procedures. Aslef will also be involved in the discussions.
Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, said: “I am really pleased for our customers and our people that the RMT have accepted our request to suspend further industrial action.
“Doing this allows us to get round the table and finalise an agreement that will, hopefully, bring this dispute to an end.”
(Image c. Danny Lawson from PA Images)
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