11 May 2021
RMT Press Office:
RAIL UNION RMT has today launched an online petition demanding pay justice and equality for ScotRail workers in light of Dutch state-owned operator Abellio’s failure to treat all grades of workers equally in respect of rest day working arrangements.
Sign the RMT petition HERE
The Company has extended an enhanced payment rest day working agreement for one grade of workers, drivers, until October 2021, but has refused to negotiate an equivalent payment for other grades. RMT ScotRail Conductor and Ticket Examiner members have voted to take industrial action, in two separate disputes over this.
RMT is unequivocal that all grades of ScotRail staff are essential workers who deserve pay equality. The ScotRail franchise continues to be full funded by the Scottish Government under the terms of its Emergency Measures Agreement, and RMT’s petition is calling on the Scottish Government to commit itself and Abellio ScotRail to meaningful talks with RMT in order to address this blatant inequality.
General Secretary Mick Lynch said:
“All grades of ScotRail workers are essential workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to keep Scotland’s rail services running.
“All RMT ScotRail Conductor and Ticket Examiner members are seeking is parity between grades. It is a kick in the teeth for these workers, that despite their commitment throughout the pandemic, Abellio is refusing to treat all grades equally and is instead preoccupied with issuing provocative statements criticising its own workforce.
“It is high time that the Scottish Government stepped in and committed itself and Abellio to meaningful talks, and this is what RMT’s petition is calling for.
“These essential workers deserve pay justice and equality.”
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