Fury over ‘union dinosaurs’ as rail signallers are called out on strike for three days over Christmas

RAIL signallers were last night condemned as “union dinosaurs” for calling a three-day strike at Christmas.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said staff at the west of Scotland signalling centre in Glasgow would walk out from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

Network Rail said trains would not be affected because managers would take over. No trains run on Christmas Day, but a reduced service is scheduled on many routes on Boxing Day.

However, it is feared the strike announcement alone will cause uncertainty among passengers planning to travel by train for Christmas shopping and socialising on the biggest city network outside London.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow claimed Network Rail had “ripped up” long-standing arrangements for staff to fill vacant posts. This involves the next most senior person being “slotted” into the position.

Mr Crow said: “Members will not stand by while management tear up agreements and practices that have been in place at local level for decades.”

However, Network Rail claimed the practice had not been officially recognised since British Rail was privatised nearly 20 years ago.

A spokesman said: “We are disappointed the union is attempting to disrupt Christmas travel, but are confident we can still run a full service.”

Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone said: “This is another ludicrous strike from the RMT that will severely disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Scots.

“These union dinosaurs have completely lost touch with the public as they continue to cause so much dismay with strikes.”

The signallers will strike from shortly before 6am on Christmas Eve until the same time on Tuesday, 27 December.