A UNION has warned that hundreds of ScotRail workers could walk out in September unless a ‘credible pay offer’ is received.
Unite, which represents over 300 ScotRail workers, says its members, who include train cleaners, engineers, ticket agents, hospitality assistants and conductors, are yet to receive a formal and fair pay offer from the employer.
Strike action will also be balloted by the Aslef and RMT unions due to the ongoing pay dispute.
As per the union, the current verbal pay offer, backdated from April 2021, guarantees a two per cent rise in April and another one per cent increase in January 2025.
However, according to Unite, this proposal has never been officially presented to the unions.
Unite industrial officer, Pat McIlvogue, said: "Scotrail must formally table a credible pay offer which our members can seriously consider before this dispute escalates into nationwide strike action.
"The Scottish government, who are the ultimate paymasters, and ScotRail need to get their heads together and quickly. There is still a window of opportunity to resolve this dispute through negotiation.
"If they fail to grasp this chance, then it will be full steam ahead towards autumn strike action.”
Whilst the dispute continues, ScotRail, which operates through Carlisle, is currently running a temporary timetable that involves 1,660 services operating daily from Monday to Saturday.
This contrasts with the usual level of around 2,250 representing a cut of 26 per cent.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: "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.
"We are keen to resolve this dispute and remain committed to continuing discussions with our trade union colleagues."
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