TRAIN drivers have voted to accept an improved pay offer from ScotRail, paving the way for the end of the provider’s temporary timetable.
On Monday, it was announced that members voted in favour of the deal – and now their pay will climb by 5%.
Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said: “Following a ballot on the improved offer negotiated with ScotRail, Aslef members have voted to accept the proposals on pay and conditions.
“Aslef is a democratic, lay, member-led union, and I want to thank our members for their engagement and response to the ballot.”
According to ScotRail, 2.2% of the increase will be funded by Transport Scotland with the remaining 2.8% coming from ScotRail’s coffers.
In May Aslef members began to refuse to work overtime and rest days in a dispute over pay.
Some 700 services were then slashed from timetables on May 23, a move Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said would provide greater certainty.
Following the vote among union members, ScotRail said the full timetable will be restored "as soon as possible" - but stressed it is a "complex process".
David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “I am delighted that Aslef members have voted for this pay deal.
"All parties involved have worked hard to find an agreement that recognises the hard work of staff and the financial challenges faced by the railway as we look to recover from the pandemic.
“ScotRail, our staff, and our customers want to have a reliable, efficient, and sustainable railway that supports the economy and connects communities across the country. This deal is a significant step towards delivering that.”
Gilruth welcomed the news, and reiterated that the nationalised railway operator would be working quickly to bring services back to normal.
"Really pleased we now have a resolution to the @ASLEFunion pay dispute in Scotland, this is welcome news for staff & passengers alike," she tweeted. "@ScotRail are now working at pace to reintroduce the normal timetable."
