ScotRail workers that are members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will pause their industrial action as a vote takes place on an improved pay offer.
The rail operator stated that they had met with RMT representatives on Wednesday November 9 to try to overcome the ongoing dispute over pay.
As a result, RMT agreed to put an improved offer to their members for a vote, which will mean that the current overtime ban and proposed strike action will be suspended until an outcome is reached from the referendum.
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ScotRail say that their improved offer will include a rise from £500 to £750 for acceptance of technology consolidated into basic pay - this is on top of the five per cent basic increase.
They say that this would mean an average pay increase of seven and a half per cent for general grades, which cover roles such as conductors, ticket examiners and station staff.
ScotRail also claims that those on lower salaries will see an increase of more than eight and a half per cent under the new offer.
The pause in industrial action will bring hope to those that plan on travelling into the capital for their Christmas shopping after previous strike dates had meant that rail travel would be thrown into chaos over the festive period.
They say that the offer also includes the following elements:
Rest Day Working – the current agreement extended to October 31, 2023.
Increasing the no compulsory redundancies job guarantee from five years to six years.
An excess revenue share premium, up to £195 per period (less tax and NI contributions and pro rata), which rewards all colleagues where ScotRail exceeds revenue budget targets. This pays £390 so far this year (less tax and NI contributions and pro rata), and would be paid to the general grades staff as soon as possible as ScotRail exceeded revenue targets in April and May.
Introducing a ‘2p per-scan’ commission for mobile ticketing for the relevant staff.
Introducing a three per cent commission payment for all gate and manual barrier staff.
Twenty-two bronze ticket offices moved to silver classification with a further review in March 2023.
An improvement in maternity and adoption leave payments comprising of 13 weeks average pay, then 13 weeks at 50 per cent standard pay, then 13 weeks at statutory maternity pay.
Sunday working allowance (SWA) increased by 10 per cent.
An increase in minimum flat rate pay to £10.50 per hour.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail head of customer operations, said: "We’re pleased to have reached agreement with the RMT so that our staff will have a say on our very strong pay offer.
“If accepted, this will deliver an average seven and a half per cent basic pay increase, job security for at least six years, and increased allowances in commission payments.
“We encourage RMT members to vote for this offer so that they can receive a well-earned pay rise and everyone at ScotRail can focus on delivering for customers across the country.”
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