Strike Warning For Scotrail From RMT

Rail union RMT today warned that plans by Abellio Scotrail to axe over eighty engineering and cleaners jobs could lead to a formal industrial dispute.

Union representatives have been in talks with Scotrail management where the company's proposals to reduce their workforce have been revealed. Scotrail have said that they plan to axe the posts by  introducing a 'Voluntary Leavers Scheme'.
 
The plans have been considered by RMT's Executive Committee which has taken the clear view that the introduction of a 'Voluntary Leavers Scheme' is in fact a reduction in staffing numbers by stealth. Although the company has indicated that they are looking for 80 fitters to leave the business, the RMT believes that the grades which will be affected by the scheme will be both engineering and cleaning.
 
A 'no compulsory agreement' currently exists between the RMT and Abellio Scotrail. RMT has now told the management that should the company renege on this agreement or indeed, the reduction in staffing numbers goes beyond the 80 jobs through voluntary redundancy, then RMT will immediately go into dispute with Abellio Scotrail and will commence a ballot for industrial action.
 
Abellio Scotrail and Network Rail are due to embark on a formal “alliance” in 2016.
 
RMT General Secretary  Mick Cash said:
''RMT is totally opposed to any form of job losses and outsourcing and the union is deeply concerned at the proposals that have been outlined to us by Abellio Scotrail and their potential impact on our members.
With the new alliance coming on stream next year these plans look to us rushed, incomplete and premature.
RMT has made it clear that any attempt to push staff out against their will result in an immediate ballot for industrial action.''