Deal reached to avert rail strike during COP26

Rail bosses have reached a deal with the RMT which will avert strike action during the COP26 climate summit.

According to the union, its members have accepted a deal which includes a one year 2.5 per cent pay rise, improved conditions and a £300 COP payment for all ScotRail staff.

Industrial action would have thrown rail services into chaos during the international climate summit, which begins in Glasgow next week.

Transport minister Graeme Dey welcomed the late breakthrough.

He said: “Following recent discussions we are pleased that all four trade unions have now agreed to accept this very good pay offer on behalf of their members. We are proud to have brokered and funded a deal which gives Scotland’s rail workers a decent pay rise and improved terms and conditions, in contrast to conditions for rail workers under the UK Government.

“We are also pleased that the RMT reached out to restart discussions based on the offer that had been made to them on Sunday. Now an agreement has been confirmed the strike action will thankfully now come to an end.”

Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, said: “Following further discussions between RMT and ScotRail an agreement has been reached and the proposals have been accepted by the union.

“As the disputes are resolved strike action has been cancelled and RMT members have been advised to work normally.”