A breakthrough in negotiations between a trade union and ScotRail has been made regarding an improved pay offer.
The rail provider has been in talks for some time regarding the ongoing dispute, with the prospect of the biggest rail strike in three decades at the end of this month adding pressure to proceedings.
ASLEF, the union that represent drivers, have said that an improved pay offer has been offered by bosses and has been accepted by the union's negotiators.
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The Record reports a pay dispute between ASLEF and the now publicly-owned ScotRail led to drivers not working overtime or on rest days.
Further chaos was presented in the shape of a temporary Sunday timetable being revised by the operator, with passengers unhappy about the sudden cut in routes, including to and from Edinburgh.
An improved offer of 4.2 percent was last week rejected by ASLEF’s executive, fuelling fears of a strike.
But after crunch talks today, Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s Scottish Organiser, said: “We are pleased that today significant progress has been made in our latest round of talks with ScotRail.”
“The offer on pay has been increased to 5 percent and we have received improved offers on pay for rest day working, Sunday working allowances, driving instructor allowances, maternity pay and an extension of no compulsory redundancies to 5 years.
"There has also been an improved proposal around the non consolidated revenue scheme.”
He added that the proposals represent a “breakthrough and significant progress”.
Lindsay said the union's negotiating team recommended acceptance of the offer to members through a referendum subject to Executive Committee approval.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “We’ve made a really good offer which recognises the cost-of-living challenges faced by families across the country and delivers good value for the public.
“The feedback we’ve had from many drivers is that they recognise we have made a series of very good offers and we are pleased they will get a say in a referendum.
“The railway plays a vital role in growing the economy and connecting communities. Now more than ever we all need to work together to attract more people to the railway as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.”
