SCOTRAIL services across Scotland are facing disruption amid an ongoing pay dispute with train drivers as union representatives say they should have seen these issues coming “a mile down the tracks.”
Multiple services were cancelled on Sunday with passengers told there was a shortage of drivers.
The union Aslef had informed ScotRail on Friday it would recommend a ballot of its members for industrial action over a pay dispute.
In the meantime, the union said some train drivers would no longer work extra Sunday shifts and overtime, which has had an impact on services across the country.
Some services either reduced to an hourly timetable or cancelled including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Alloa, Motherwell, Helensburgh, Milngavie and Larkhall.
More cancellations are expected in the coming weeks with drivers no longer working overtime as Kevin Lindsay, Aself’s organiser in Scotland, said the Scottish Government have completely failed to address the driver shortage.
He said: “The Scottish government should have seen these issues coming a mile down the tracks. It's clear no lessons have been learned from the past. They have left Scotland’s railway workforce understaffed and overstretched.
“Goodwill from Scotland’s train drivers can only take you so far but you can't run a safe and efficient railway seven days a week if you don't employ appropriate numbers of staff and provide them with decent pay, terms and conditions.
“The Scottish Government is the sole shareholder of ScotRail yet have completely failed to address the driver shortage.
“This is a crisis entirely of their own making, and ultimately, passengers will be the ones who suffer.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, has apologised to passengers who have been affected by the cancellations and that ScotRail are fully committed to further discussions with the union over the dispute.
He said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers. We know how frustrating it is when cancellations occur.
“We hope that these service alterations will give customers some certainty and reliability when planning their journeys. Customers should check their journey on our website and mobile app before they travel and should also bear in mind that services will be busier than usual.
“We want to resolve the pay dispute matter with trade unions and will remain fully committed to further discussions.”
