SCOTLAND was preparing for a day of transport chaos as it was confirmed that strike action would go ahead today, affecting tens of lines across the country..
Talks between ScotRail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union broke down on Friday.
As well as today's action over plans to allow drivers, rather than a conductor, to operate doors on trains, the RMT is planning to strike on July 10, 11 and 14 and over the weekend of July 16 and 17. The union claims it is concerned that the introduction of driver-operated doors will mean the "safety critical" role of the guard will not be protected, leaving the public at risk.
However on a statement on its website, which lists details of routes which will be reduced in frequency as well as those which will be cancelled – some of which will be replaced by buses – ScotRail disputes the RMT's claims and says the the strike action is "totally unnecessary".
"The RMT say we're planning on having driver-only trains," says the statement. "We are not. They say it's about safety. It is not. Today, 59 per cent of our customers travel on a train where the doors are safely opened and closed by the driver. The body in charge of regulating safety on the UK rail network says this is a safe way of working."
ScotRail is advising passengers to buy tickets in advance and avoid peak times if possible during strike action. Refunds will be available.
Mick Hogg, regional organiser of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said the real safety issues had not been reflected in the debate.
"We take our jobs and roles very seriously and we need to ensure that we are able to run the trains safely. For our perspective the fears in terms of safety if you do not have a guard onboard are horrendous. They are trained to deal with emergencies."
Though ScotRail has said a second staff member will be scheduled on every train, the union is concerned that that person may not be trained, or paid, at the same level as the current guard role.
"We fully understand the disruption that passengers will face," added Hogg. "But we need to object to this proposal and we will continue with strike action until a sensible decision is reached."
But Phil Verster, Managing Director of ScotRail said; "No-one will lose their jobs, no one will see their pay drop or see any change to their terms and conditions. We will continue to arrange talks. However, we will never find a solution if the RMT continues in this manner. These strikes are very real and are hurting our customers and our people."
Meanwhile in Glasgow, the Subway closed for a four week period yesterday as part of a planned upgrade, bringing yet more travel disruption.
A Strathclyde Passenger Transport spokesperson said 30 replacement buses had been timetabled every five to ten minutes, with more in reserve if needed. "All our passengers are encouraged to turn up to their usual station, allow a little longer for the journey, and leave the rest to us," she added.
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