ScotRail services have been running on a reduced timetable since May, making travel options more limited for commuters. Trains terminated much earlier than usual, meaning that those attending concerts and events have also been significantly impacted by the reductions.
The timetable was put in place due to a pay row with drivers' union ASLEF, however this week an agreement has been reached. 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."
The RMT, which is a separate union for rail workers, has just called for strike action later this month and ASLEF drivers are also set to walk out across a number of rail operators. This may leave some wondering how Scotland and ScotRail could be impacted by the upcoming strikes.
With this in mind, here is everything we know right now about ScotRail services returning to full operation, and possible future disruptions.
Will services return to normal?
Yes, ScotRail say they are working to reintroduce the full timetable as soon as possible, but have added on their Twitter: "Changing a timetable is a complex process which will take time." They have said that they will confirm when a full timetable is able to be reinstated for customers as soon as they know.
The national rail operator says that reinstating the timetable is dependent on drivers returning to work on rest days and overtime. This is something that they deem crucial for reliable service amid driver shortages that were caused during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Why was there a reduced timetable?
The reduced timetable was caused by drivers rejecting overtime and rest day work amid shortages due to a pay dispute with drivers' union ASLEF. The union wanted drivers' salaries to go up, reflecting current inflation.
The temporary timetable was put in place to provide passengers with more certainty, as shortages were causing a significant number of disruptions and cancellations. At the time that the timetable was introduced, they said: "We know what customers want more than anything is certainty and reliability, which is why we are introducing a temporary timetable."
Will there be more strike action?
There will likely be future industrial action from the RMT, which is a separate organisation to ASLEF, following their strikes earlier this month. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has said more strikes can be expected if a settlement is not reached with Network Rail and the UK's rail operators.
They have called for a 24 hour strike on Wednesday July 27 following a "paltry" Network Rail offer. This will likely look like the recent RMT strikes, where services were heavily reduced and there were only five lines running across Scotland.
Some may have seen that ASLEF has announced strike action for a number of rail operators as well, however ScotRail is not included in this. The Scottish operator offered drivers a five per cent increase in basic pay as well as an excess revenue share premium and additional improvements to other terms and conditions, which was accepted.
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."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
