SCOTRAIL is denying claims by the RMT union that the second 24-hour strike called in the ‘driver only operation’ (or DOO) dispute caused ‘major disruption’. “Better than nine out of ten trains ran,” a ScotRail spokesman said. However, the RMT is describing support for the walkout as ‘rock solid’.

Monday's strike was the second in three which were called after the union and ScotRail failed to agree on plans to use ticket examiners rather than conductor/guards on the Airdrie-Bathgate line, which is to due to open in December.

The RMT says abolishing guards puts safety at risk, but ScotRail pointed out that some trains have been running in Strathclyde with the driver in control of the doors for as long as 25 years.

The First Minister Alex Salmond has been asked to intervene, but he told the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that a similar arrangement had been agreed for the reopened Larkhall line four years ago. He appealed to both sides to reach a settlement.

ScotRail said its contingency plans meant that a full service ran on key routes, although in a few cases buses have replaced trains for the day.

ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: “It is business as usual for Scotland’s railway. Our contingency plans are such that almost all our customers will not notice there is a strike. There are some service revisions due to the RMT’s bid to cause as much inconvenience as possible to our customers. However, we are ensuring the vast majority of travellers are unaffected.”

Meanwhile, the union is adamant that it will not give way. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Our members are rock solid across Scotland in their strike action in defence of rail safety and the role of the guard. The RMT remains available for meaningful talks based on ensuring safety on Scotrail services in line with agreements dating back to 2001.”

Unless the dispute is resolved, a third strike is set to take place on 13 March.

 

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