Glasgow Subway workers are to take strike action over four days next month with the first one taking place during the first weekend of August.
The strike will impact on Rangers’ first home match of the season against Kilmarnock at Ibrox with the first of four walk-outs set to take place on August 6.
The majority of Unite members voted in favour of the strike with the figure standing at 99 per cent for strike action on a turnout of 83 per cent.
READ MORE: Glasgow subway workers to strike on day of Rangers' first home game of season
And in addition to this, ScotRail have now warned of "significant disruption" during RMT's Network Rail strike action.
So with the game happening on the same day and more strikes due, what does this mean? Here's what you need to know.
When are the Glasgow Subway Strikes and does it clash with any events?
A 24-hour strike will also take place on the following dates:
- August 6
- August 9
- August 13
- August 27
August 13 is the penultimate day of Piping Live in the city centre while I Am A Raver is on at Classic Grand, just up from St Enoch station. Meanwhile those planning on heading to Ando-Glaso Roma Cultural Festival in Sauchiehall Street or Refuweegee's We Belong to Glasgow event at Oran Mor by subway on August 27 may need to make alternative arrangements.
Why are they going on strike?
Nearly all Unite members voted in favour of the walk-out over being called in to work shifts at short notice amid rota issues.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) have enforced changes to duty schedules which has sparked anger among workers who say it's been 'detrimental to work-life balance'. Discussions with SPT have 'failed to give members assurances over family responsibilities' according to Unite.
The union represents over 200 members at SPT including train drivers and station staff, 83 per cent of them turned up for the ballot. Willie Thomson, Unite's industrial officer, said the walk-out is a 'last resort'.
He told Glasgow Live: “The strike ballot is a last resort for a hardworking and loyal workforce. Time and again the workers have gone above and beyond by keeping the subway running during the Covid-19 pandemic, and through a time of significant staff pressures.
"Our members are angry about the unfair duty rosters which have resulted in imposed shift changes at short notice. This is detrimental to our members’ work life balance. SPT should be in no doubt as to our members’ determination to have these rosters changed.”
Why is ScotRail affected by the strikes?
Because of a strike action by RMT members of Network Rail, ScotRail are now warning customers to expect "significant disruption". The RMT union announced a three day strike action across the UK's railway network which is said to have resulted from a pay dispute with Network Rail.
Whilst the dispute is said not to involve ScotRail staff, it will have a knock-on effect on the train operator's ability to provide services as the RMT planned action will involve Network Rail staff in Scotland. Many of the Network Rail staff that are due to take part in the planned industrial action occupy safety-critical roles meaning it won't be possible for ScotRail to run the vast majority of services.
The Network Rail strike action will take place on the following days:
- July 27
- August 18
- August 20
As a result of the strikes, customers are being advised that on these three dates there will be a very limited number of services will operate on just five ScotRail routes in the central belt, with no service on all other routes.
In addition, passengers are being urged to travel only if they need to and to consider alternative options where possible.
The railway will only be operational between 7:30am and 6:30pm across the three days however final services are said to be departing "well before" 6:30pm with customers being asked to check ScotRail's website before travelling.
The below services will run on these days:
- Edinburgh – Glasgow via Falkirk High: two trains per hour
- Edinburgh – Bathgate: two trains per hour
- Glasgow – Hamilton/Larkhall: two trains per hour
- Glasgow – Lanark: two trains per hour
- Edinburgh – Glasgow via Shotts: one train per hour
Whilst disruption to ScotRail services will take place during these three days, it will also have an impact on the surrounding days with July 26, July 28, August 19 and August 21 also being affected. On Tuesday (tomorrow) a small number of trains will have to be cancelled in order for other trains to be moved into the correct position with them being unable to be moved until July 28 (Thursday) at 7:15am.
On the days following strike action, there will be disruption caused by the reopening of signal boxes at different times across the country. Signal boxes are key pieces of infrastructure located across the rail network that control train movements. Their use is critical to ensure that the railway can operate safely.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “It is very unfortunate to see such widespread disruption across the whole of the Great Britain rail network and we know this will be frustrating for ScotRail customers.
“Regrettably, this strike action by RMT members of Network Rail means that we will not be able to operate the vast majority of our services during the period of strike action. Customers should expect significant disruption to services on strike days, as well as the following day.
“On the five routes where we are able to operate a very limited service on strike days, we’re advising customers to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel if they really need to.”
READ NEXT:
North Lanarkshire Council leader accused of groping teenager at boozy flat party
MyMcDonald’s Rewards App: Everything to know about the new scheme
Scottish Peppa Pig sends TikTok into hysterics after wife accidentally buys wrong book
Marks and Spencer café offering 'kids eat free' meals as they launch new menu
