Highland rail chaos may end as union members vote to accept ScotRail pay deal
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Trains in the Highlands should be running smoothly again after today's announcement by drivers’ union ASLEF.
It confirmed its members have voted to accept the improved pay offer made by ScotRail, which includes a five per cent increase in basic pay and ground-breaking revenue share premium.
The union had recommended that members accept the deal when it was put to a vote where ballots closed on Friday, July 8.
ScotRail will now engage with ASLEF in the coming days on the work needed to resume the full timetable as soon as possible.
This is a complex process, and is also dependent on drivers returning to work rest days and overtime.
ScotRail said its teams are working hard to introduce the full timetable as soon as possible.
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.”
Details of the new deal brokered include:
- A 5 per cent increase in basic pay. This is broken down as a 2.2 per cent increase to recognise the cost-of-living challenges (funded by Transport Scotland), and a further 2.8 per cent increase (to be funded by ScotRail).
- An excess revenue share premium, which rewards all colleagues where ScotRail exceeds revenue budget targets. This scheme will also be backdated to April 1, 2022.
- A five-year commitment to a no-compulsory redundancy agreement.
- A commitment to bring Sundays into the working week within a five-year period with full implementation by the 2027 December timetable.
- An improvement in maternity and adoption leave payments.
- Sunday working allowance (SWA) increased by 10 per cent.
- An increase in rest-day working payments to £400, with the agreement extended to March 2023 to support the driver training programme.
- An uplift of £500 to driver instructor allowance.
