Scottish Government Confirms Abellio Scotrail Franchise will end 3 years early in 2022

Circular No: NP/284/19

TO ALL BRANCHES & REGIONAL COUNCILS.

19th December 2019

Dear Colleagues

Scottish Government Confirms Abellio Scotrail Franchise will end 3 years early in 2022

Dear Colleague,

You may be aware that yesterday the Scottish Government announced that it will not extend the Abellio Scotrail franchise and it will instead end in March 2022.

This is certainly a significant development – as you know Abellio Scotrail has failed to deliver an acceptable rail service in Scotland, and throughout the year the RMT has been campaigning for Abellio to hand back the keys and for Scotrail to instead be run in the public sector.

I met with the Scottish Transport Minister Michael Matheson yesterday, after his announcement, and please be assured that the protection of all Scotrail employee jobs and conditions was high on the agenda.

I appreciate that the Scottish Government’s announcement may cause some uncertainty amongst staff, but I have had assurances from Transport Scotland officials that all jobs and conditions will be protected during the process.

Your Union is committed to working with the Scottish Government throughout this process and will take all steps necessary to protect your jobs and conditions.

Ultimately, we want Scotland’s Railway to be run in the public sector for the people of Scotland, not for private profit.

I will of course keep you updated on all developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary