Rail strikes that would have affected Perth and Kinross commuters have been suspended after the RMT trade union and rail bosses agreed to re-enter crunch talks over pay and working conditions.
ScotRail confirmed that its full timetable was to resume today (November 8) with walkouts planned for November 5, 7 and 9 called off.
The strikes involved RMT union members of Network Rail, which employs signalling workers across Scotland, as well as England and Wales.
The RMT said it would now enter “a period of intensive negotiations” with Network Rail and the rail companies after it received “the promise of an offer”.
ScotRail said the decision came too late to prevent severe disruption to its services on Saturday, with just 11 routes remaining open.
Yesterday (October 7) ScotRail also operated a limited timetable due to be in place for the strike action planned that day.
The region has been marred with rail strikes over the past few months due to the dispute.
But the union is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on November 15.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.
“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.
“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”
The RMT has previously threatened to escalate the ScotRail dispute by walking out on the day of Scotland’s rugby international against Argentina on November 19 and on every Friday and Saturday after that until Christmas.
ScotRail has previously offered all staff a five per cent pay uplift plus add-ons, which it said would represent a 7.4 per cent increase for the lowest-paid staff.
It has urged the union to put that offer to its members, although the RMT has said it would “seriously consider” an 8.2 per cent increase.
David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “ScotRail welcomes the announcement that planned strike action on November 7 and 9 by RMT members at Network Rail has been suspended.
“Strike action does nothing for the railway’s recovery or reputation at this fragile time. It impacts customers, staff, and the economy.
“We’re working hard to restore a normal timetable for Tuesday, November 8 to deliver a service our customers expect and deserve. A very limited service will operate on Monday, November 7.
“We’d encourage anyone planning to travel by rail over the next few days to check their entire journey before travel on our website or social media channels.”
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “While it is positive news that the RMT has called off these strikes, the very late notice means that it is not possible to reintroduce a full timetable on Saturday and Monday.
“We are working hard alongside ScotRail and our other operators to reintroduce services as quickly as possible for customers.
“We remain committed to working positively with our trades unions to find a resolution to this dispute.”
