ScotRail services have returned to normal today after planned strike action was suspended - but there are fears that further travel chaos is in store as the threat of Christmas strike action hangs in the air.
Network Rail workers with the Rail, Maritime and Transport union ( RMT ) were due to stage a walk out on Saturday, November 5, Monday, November 7, and Wednesday, November 9. But on Friday, the RMT announced it would abandon action to allow for negotiations over pay.
Due to Network Rail being unable to fully open across all routes, ScotRail was unable to reintroduce services earlier than Tuesday, the operator confirmed. And there are major fears of more disruption in the lead up to Christmas.
The RMT is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on November 15. And the union is threatening to walk out every Friday and Saturday in the run-up to Christmas, as part of a separate dispute with ScotRail.
Commuters today are being urged to keep checking their entire journey before they set off. David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "We're pleased to be able to reintroduce our normal timetable.
"We know how much people right across the country rely on rail travel, so it will be welcome news for customers that ScotRail services on Wednesday will no longer be impacted by strike action. I would, however, encourage customers to continue check their journey before they travel on the ScotRail website or mobile app."
Speaking about the cancelled action, 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."
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