ScotRail guards vote for strike action

Guards are concerned about the introduction of additional driver-only trains

Guards working for ScotRail have voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over driver-only trains.

The RMT union said more than 75% of its members taking part in the ballot were in favour of going on strike. The turnout was 75%.

The union's policy is to oppose the extension of driver-only operations on any route or service.

ScotRail said most services around Glasgow are already driver-only operated.

The RMT said imposing change would be an attack on members' "hard-earned terms and conditions".

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The workforce also know only too well that there is a very real threat to passengers of watering down and wiping out the safety-critical role of the guard on these ScotRail services. ‎

"That is a lethal gamble with basic rail safety."

Mr Cash added: "The union remains available for further talks."

A spokeswoman for ScotRail said: "This ballot result confirms that there is very little appetite for strike action in ScotRail. Nearly half of our total number of conductors voted against strike action or abstained.

"This is now a clear signal for the RMT that our people in Scotland want to decide their own way forward. We have already guaranteed job security, pay and the futures of our conductors.

"The RMT must now allow their local representatives in Scotland to consider ScotRail's ideas that will make these guarantees possible."