Bosses pledge they'll keep trains on track

RAIL bosses have pledged it will be "business as usual" if staff strike during the Easter holidays.

ScotRail said the RMT union would show a "blatant disregard" for families if they organised industrial action in protest at plans to operate "driver-only" trains on the new 300 million Airdrie-Bathgate line.

Rail staff have already taken part in a series of walkouts over ScotRail's plans to operate trains without guards on the new line, which is not due to open until December.

Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said: "Such an action will make us even more determined than ever to keep Scotland's railway running. It will be business as usual."

According to ScotRail, strikes are expected to follow UK-wide industrial action by the RMT which could take place over the Easter weekend, 2 April-5 April.

However, at this stage, no more strike dates have been announced in relation to the dispute.

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said: "We have demonstrated overwhelming rock-solid support from our members in support of our action.

"We believe that we have overwhelming public and political support for the retention of the guards and we look forward to meaningful talks with transport minister Stewart Stevenson."