Workers on ScotRail to strike in dispute over role of guards
Around 100 RMT members on services along the Barrhead and East Kilbride routes will stage a series of 48-hour strikes from May 18, May 25 and June 1.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Workers on ScotRail are to strike in a dispute over the role of guards.
Around 100 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) on services along the Barrhead and East Kilbride routes will stage a series of 48-hour weekend strikes from May 18, May 25 and June 1.
The union said it has concerns over the responsibilities of the conductor, including dispatch, opening and closing doors and their safety critical role.
ScotRail members voted overwhelmingly for strike action, with 76% voting Yes on a 79% turnout.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “ScotRail members have spoken loud and clear – they will not allow the employer to dilute their roles and responsibilities as guards.
“Our members play a vital safety role with dispatch of services and while the train is on the move.
“The Scottish Government, which has overall responsibility for ScotRail, needs to wake up to the reality that our members want to be treated as valuable assets on the railway and they will not back down until a negotiated settlement is reached.”