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.

Around 100 members of the RMT on services along the Barrhead and East Kilbride routes will strike (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Archive)

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.

Our members play a vital safety role with dispatch of services and while the train is on the move

Mick Lynch, RMT

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.”