Signal staff strike to hit Scottish railways
Tuesday, 07 Oct 2008 10:39
Signal staff across the Scottish railway network are scheduled to walk out at midday today as part of a programme of industrial action.
The first of two 24 hour strikes, organised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT), will see 450 staff walk out later, with the process repeated on Thursday.
Services will be reduced to a minimum after the morning rush hour, with many departures cancelled. Roads expected to be busy as a result.
However, a limited timetable is likely to operate between Glasgow and Edinburgh. ScotRail advised passengers to check their website before setting off.
The RMT states the disagreement was over roster agreements, while Network Rail claims the action centred on the issue of whether safety assessments should be voluntary.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Network Rail is blatantly trying to unilaterally rewrite agreements without consulting the workforce."
As well as the strike, a ban on overtime and rest-day working starts today.
Chris O'Toole