Drivers’ union ASLEF has confirmed that its members have voted to accept the improved pay offer made by ScotRail, which includes a 5 per cent increase in basic pay and what ScotRail described as a ’ground-breaking’ revenue share premium where ScotRail exceeds revenue budget targets, backdated to April this year.
The 5 per cent consists of a 2.2 per cent increase to recognise the cost-of-living challenges (funded by Transport Scotland), and a further 2.8 per cent increase (to be funded by ScotRail), to recognise the flexibility of rostering arrangements.In particular, this settlement also includes a commitment to bring Sundays into the working week within five years, in time for the Decenber 2027 timetable.
The union had recommended that its members should accept the offer when it was put to a vote. The ballot had closed on 8 July.
ScotRail will now hold talks with ASLEF on the work needed to restore the full timetable as soon as possible, which depends on drivers returning to work rest days and overtime. ScotRail said it is ‘working hard’ to bring back the full timetable as soon as possible.
ScotRail service delivery director David Simpson 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. This deal is a significant step towards delivering that.’