The temporary timetable that has been in place on the ScotRail network is set to end, meaning more trains will run.
The change comes as train drivers have agreed to accept a pay offer from bosses.
Disruption due to the restricted timetable has been going on for almost two months as drivers in the Aslef Union refused to work overtime and rest days because of a below-inflation pay offer from management. Drivers were offered a 2.2 per cent increase, but with inflation currently standing at 9.1 per cent, the offer reflected a real-terms pay cut.
The action led to the cancellation of 700 services when it began on May 23. Many evening and weekend services to more remote locations were cancelled as a result of the action.
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After negotiations between the union and ScotRail in June, train drivers were then offered a 5 per cent increase. Members were balloted on this deal with the majority choosing to accept the offer.
The train drivers’ union Aslef ratified the deal today in a move that will ease pressure on the rail network, with the full timetable to be reinstated in roughly ten days time.
Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay, said: "Following a ballot on the improved offer negotiated with ScotRail, Aslef members have voted to accept the proposals on pay and conditions.
"Hopefully this gives ScotRail the opportunity to get the service back up and running."
The deal will see Transport Scotland finance 2.2 per cent of the pay increase to recognise the cost of living crisis, whilst ScotRail will front up 2.8 per cent of the increase “which recognises and rewards the flexibility of rostering arrangements as ScotRail responds to changes in our markets as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Also part of the deal, was a promise from ScotRail that there would be no compulsory redundancies for the next five years.
And drivers will also benefit from an “excess revenue share premium, which rewards all colleagues where ScotRail exceeds revenue budget targets.”
ScotRail said that meant staff would already have earned two periods of bonus amounting to £390 net as the operator said it had exceeded targets for those periods.
It said that if this paid out in full, it would be worth a one-off additional £2,535 over a year. Any further bonus scheme would have to be negotiated in future annual pay discussions.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “I am delighted that ASLEF members have voted for this pay deal. All parties involved have worked hard to find an agreement that recognises the hard work of staff and the financial challenges faced by the railway as we look to recover from the pandemic.
“ScotRail, our staff, and our customers want to have a reliable, efficient, and sustainable railway that supports the economy and connects communities across the country. This deal is a significant step towards delivering that.”
The Aslef dispute is separate to that which saw almost the entire rail network grind to a halt at the end of June as a result of below inflation pay offers to members of the larger National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
ScotRail have made a similar offer to members of the RMT.
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