Signaller strikes set as RMT and Network Rail lock horns over rostering

Published on 27/12/2012 17:13

MORE rail disruption could be on the horizon, with signal workers consulting on strike action over shift patterns.

The RMT union announced the planned walkouts - in the Stirling area on 31 January and 5 December - as the latest move in a long-running dispute over changes in rostering. RMT negotiators want their staff to move to three 12-hour shifts a week, rather than the present system of five eight-hour days. Network Rail claims to have offered a compromise which the RMT have rejected.

Network Rail, the body responsible for maintaining track and signals, said it did not expect to have to change any timetables, and that a full service would run.

The dispute has already seen signallers take strike action on several occasions, including on Christmas Eve.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow blamed “management intransigence” for the continued divide, and did not rule out escalating the row.

Crow said: “We are now in the process of consulting signalling members across Scotland on the implications for the wider workforce of management’s refusal to negotiate a reasonable settlement within existing rostering agreements.”

Mr Crow added that the union was available for “meaningful” talks.

Network Rail said: “There will be a full service of trains running - we have never amended the train timetable for any of the previous strikes.”

Earlier this month, First ScotRail workers called off strike action which had been due to take place on 22 December and Christmas Eve, and trains north of Dundee were severely disrupted this week after a landslip near Aberdeen blocked tracks.