RMT ‘win’ over retention of guards on Barrhead line

THE RMT union has claimed a “significant win” after ScotRail agreed to continue driver-and-guard operation on its £63 million newly electrified line to Barrhead, and its £140m East Kilbride electrification project, on which work started earlier this year.

As a result, six days of strike action by guards at Ayr, Dumfries, Glasgow Central and Stranraer depots - scheduled for three consecutive weekends on May 18/19, 25/26 and June 1/2 (RAIL 1009) - have been called off.

Instead, ScotRail has agreed a five-year period in which to negotiate any changes, by which time the East Kilbride scheme will also be completed (due December 2025).

ScotRail had wanted to introduce the Strathclyde Manning Agreement (SMA), which allows trains to run without a guard on newly electrified routes.

This is fiercely opposed by the RMT, and is a view shared by RMT members. In a ballot with a 79% turnout, 97% voted for strikes.

Announcing that it has “successfully retained the guard and all the responsibilities of the role on every train… with conductors continuing to dispatch trains, including full control of the doors on departure and performing their safety critical duties”, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch called it “a significant win for our members”.

He said it was a result of a “culmination of their steadfastness in putting on a strong set of strike days”, adding: “Our union's industrial strength and resolve has forced ScotRail and the Scottish Government to be reasonable and allowed our representatives to secure a negotiated settlement.”

In a statement, ScotRail said it had reached agreement with the RMT after conciliation through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

“ScotRail and the RMT have agreed that consultation will take place on the mode of operation on routes where new electric trains will be deployed, which is anticipated to be around 2030,” it said.

“This allows for more than five years to carry out meaningful consultation.”

ScotRail Customer Operations Director Phil Campbell added: “Ahead of the introduction of new electric trains, ScotRail will consult with trade union colleagues about the mode of operation.”