While the current RMT strike action has come to an end, ScotRail will continue to run on a reduced timetable due to driver shortages.
Driver shortages are an issue nationwide and has been caused by the delay of training due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Until recently ScotRail was reliant on drivers working on their rest days, however train drivers have are now refusing overtime due to a pay dispute with ASLEF.
ASLEF, which is the drivers' union, has been pushing for better pay amid inflation, and although the most recent proposal shows promising signs, services won't return to normal straight away.
The latest offer from ScotRail and the Scottish Government saw pay increased by five percent as well as improved offers on pay for rest day working.
Drivers will also receive Sunday working allowances, driving instructor allowances, maternity pay and an extension of no compulsory redundancies to five years.
Due to the current shortages ScotRail introduced a temporary timetable in May, which saw around 700 services cut and many routes ending earlier than usual.
The timetable, although still in place, was extended slightly earlier this month.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director said: “While running a temporary timetable is frustrating, it’s encouraging that we have made progress with driver pay talks, and I’m pleased we can extend the use of late-night services for customers."
He added: “The temporary timetable is providing customers with greater certainty and reliability as we seek to reach agreement with ASLEF.”
When will timetables return to normal?
Following the latest offer 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 union agreed that the proposed offer from the Scottish Government with improved pay and working conditions would be put to members in a ballot, which will not be completed until July.
"Ballot papers will go out next week and the result announced on the July 11," said Lindsay in early June.
With this in mind, services will likely not return to full operation until early or mid July if the drivers accept the latest offer.
If drivers do not accept the offer, the process could draw further into summer.
There are also concerns around further RMT strike action, with their general secretary Mick Lynch saying more strikes can be expected if a settlement is not reached with Network Rail and the UK's rail operators.
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