The chaos in Scotland’s rail network could end as drivers secure a “breakthrough” deal for improved pay with the country’s new national operator.
Negotiations to end the bitter pay dispute between ScotRail and the Aslef union resumed on Thursday morning after workers rejected a previous offer marked “ridiculous”.
Trade union leaders had previously rejected a 2.2% pay rise and voted for leaders because of industrial action.
Aslef’s executive committee rejected the second 4.2% pay proposal earlier this month.
But a deal with an improved 5% rise was concluded on Thursday afternoon.
The offer will now be presented to Aslef’s executive committee, which will meet next Wednesday with the union’s entire negotiating team, which will recommend adoption.
If adopted, it is determined by the members of the union and voted in a referendum.
There were no strikes, but drivers refused to work overtime, leading to serious disruptions to rail services with nationwide “emergency schedules” blocking about 700 trains.
Negotiations resumed Monday, before being postponed for several hours before the two sides returned to the table on Thursday.
Both Aslef and ScotRail said they were confident the deal could be made.
Asleff’s Scottish organizer, Kevin Lindsay, said: “We are pleased that significant progress has been made today in our last round of negotiations with ScotRail.
“The pay offer was increased to 5% and we received improved offers for weekend pay, allowances for work on Sundays, allowances for driving instructor, maternity allowance and extension of non-compulsory redundancies for up to five years. There was also an improved proposal for the non-consolidated revenue scheme. “
“The joint working group will also consider Sunday as part of the working week, subject to negotiations until December 2027, according to the Aslef Charter.
“We believe that all these proposals represent a breakthrough and significant progress and are a recognition of the vital role that our members play in society and the economy.
“Aself’s full negotiating team recommends accepting our members’ offer through a referendum, which is subject to approval by the executive committee.
On Thursday night, ScotRail released an update stating that an “additional significantly improved offer” had been made to the RMT union.
The offer included a 5% increase in the basic salary, 2.2% funded by Transport Scotland and 2.8% funded by ScotRail, the allowance on Sunday increased by 10%, an increase in the minimum fixed salary to £ 10.50 per hour and the current weekend agreement to be extended by 5%.
However, the recently nationalized railway operator said that RMT had rejected the offer “only by accepting current and future technologies”.
ScotRail says the union will instead recommend to its National Executive Committee to vote for its members on strike.
Phil Campbell, Head of Customer Operations, said: “This is a really strong offer that takes into account the cost of living challenges facing families across the country and provides good value to the public.
“It is astonishing that RMT employees rejected this offer without even giving their members the floor in a referendum on the details of the offer. I know that many employees share our disappointment with RMT.
“The railway plays a vital role in economic growth and community integration. Now, more than ever, we all need to work together to get more people on the railroad as we recover from the pandemic. “
RMT asked for comment.
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