Rail strikes: ScotRail confirms widespread disruption

ScotRail has confirmed its services will face widespread disruption when the train operator’s members of the RMT trade union take part in a day of strike action on Saturday, October 29. It’s the second day of strike action by ScotRail general grades RMT members, following industrial action on Monday, October 10, and is a result of the trade union’s rejection of an improved pay offer made by ScotRail.

For ScotRail customers, this means widespread disruption across the country, with only a very limited number of ScotRail services operating on a small number of routes.   On the day of strike action, October 29, ScotRail has confirmed it will only be able to operate a limited service between 07.30 and 18.30 on the following three routes:

• Milngavie – Edinburgh Waverley via Glasgow Queen Street Low Level (half hourly service)
• Glasgow Central – Lanark (hourly service)
• Glasgow Central – Larkhall (hourly service)

The train operator is only able to provide this very limited service due to the number of contingency staff required to cover the shifts of those on strike. It means there will be a very limited service for rugby fans heading to Scotland’s first autumn international match against Australia with fans advised to consider alternative arrangements.

The important messages for its customers are:  

• There will be no service except on three routes linking Milngavie with Glasgow and Edinburgh, and connecting Glasgow and South Lanarkshire.
• For the routes which will operate a service, customers should only travel if they really need to and should consider alternative options where possible. 

ScotRail members of the RMT’s general grades are also currently taking part in an overtime and rest day working ban as part of action short of a strike. This has seen some daily cancellations across the ScotRail network since Friday, October 14, as the train operator requires rest day working and overtime while recruitment continues.

Earlier last week, Network Rail members of the RMT trade union announced they will take part in 24-hour strike action on Thursday, November 3, Saturday, November 5, and Monday, November 7. This dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, however it will have a major knock-on effect on the train operator’s ability to provide services as the RMT planned action will involve Network Rail staff in Scotland. ScotRail are now assessing the impact this will have its services and will updated customer as soon as possible.

More information on how strike action will impact ScotRail services, including ScotRail’s refund policy, can be found on its website.