ScotRail has issued an update to passengers regarding an upcoming strike by RMT trade union members and has warned of "some cancellations to services" following an overtime ban by RMT members.
The rail operator took to Twitter to respond to news that members of the RMT are set to begin an indefinite overtime ban. More than 2,000 ScotRail staff will not be working overtime or rest days.
It advised travellers to check that their journey is still going ahead before setting off as late cancellations are expected during the industrial action.
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ScotRail wrote: "Due to an overtime ban by RMT members of ScotRail, we're advising customers to expect some cancellations to services. We will provide as much information as possible on which services are affected across our social media channels, website & app."
In a separate update, the operator also revealed it was "assessing the impact" of an upcoming strike by RMT members. On October 29, general grade members of the union will take part in 24 hours of industrial action.
ScotRail tweeted: "We have received formal notification from the RMT trade union that its general grades members will take part in 24-hour strike action on Saturday, 29 October. We are now assessing the impact this will have on our services and working on contingency arrangements.
"We will update customers as soon as this is complete."
The latest round of talks between the RMT and ScotRail have seen the union reject the operator's offer of a five per cent pay rise, a six-year job guarantee, a £500 payment for technology like mobile phones and improved maternity leave conditions.
ScotRail’s head of customer operations Phil Campbell said: “We are really disappointed with this additional industrial action, which will again impact on our customers, following the strike action earlier in the week. The ban on overtime does nothing for the railway’s recovery during this challenging time, and in addition to the impact on those travelling, it will further cost our staff with lost income.
“We do rely on staff working overtime in various parts of the business as we actively recruit to fill vacancies, and unfortunately there will be some daily cancellations starting from Friday, October 14, and throughout the period of the RMT’s ban. We will do everything we can to minimise the impact on customers, however, there will be some disruption.
"We advise customers to check their journey before they travel, particularly in the morning before they start their day. We are continuing to meet with RMT representatives to resolve this dispute.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our industrial action campaign on ScotRail will continue until we can find a just settlement to our dispute. We are open to meaningful talks with ScotRail at any time to discuss all the outstanding issues.”
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