Train staff strikes during COP26 will no longer go ahead, as the trade union secured a deal with ScotRail on Wednesday.
The dispute over pay and conditions threatened to wreak havoc on Scotland’s railway, with strikes planned for the entire climate conference.
A deal was confirmed on Wednesday evening following negotiations between the trade union and transport bosses.
COP26 train strikes cancelled
The Scottish Government set a deadline of 5pm on Wednesday for a resolution to the long-running dispute.
The union’s final position called for a 2.5% pay rise backdated to April and a “COP26 payment” for all staff.
The deal was accepted by ScotRail, so current and planned industrial action will be withdrawn immediately.
Breaking: @ScotRail dispute settled.@RMTunion @RMT_Scotland has won an improved offer!
Congratulations also to @UniteScotland @ASLEFunion @TSSAScotland.
A measure of justice for the workers who have kept us going through the pandemic.
There is power in the union ✊
— STUC (@ScottishTUC) October 27, 2021
The agreement includes a one-year pay deal comprising a 2.5% pay increase backdated to April 1 2021 and a three-hour allowance for each rest day worked.
Staff will also be paid £300 to ensure the climate conference is fully supported.
A joint statement from ScotRail and RMT trade union acknowledged the agreement.
It also stated that by “working together” and “exploring future productivity initiatives”, they hoped to build a “sustainable future for ScotRail”.
‘Resolves strike action’
Ian McConnell, ScotRail’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
“We have reached a pay agreement with the RMT trade union that resolves strike action.
“We look forward to Scotland’s Railway playing its part in delivering a successful COP26 next week.”
ScotRail strikes settled as RMT accepts 2.5%, a £300 COP26 and three hour allowance for each rest day worked. All strikes now cancelled. pic.twitter.com/PINkiJzkoU
— Philip Haigh (@philatrail) October 27, 2021
Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, said:
“Following further discussions between RMT and ScotRail an agreement has been reached and the proposals have been accepted by the union.
“As the disputes are resolved strike action has been cancelled and RMT members have been advised to work normally.”
MSPs and figureheads welcomed the news on social media Wednesday evening.
West Scotland MSP Ross Greer said: “There is power to a union. Well done.”
Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar tweeted: “Well done to the workers at RMT union
who won their battle with ScotRail for better conditions and pay and averted the threat of strike action during COP26.”
