ScotRail drivers accept pay offer just days before peak time fares reintroduced

ScotRail has been running a reduced service for months amid regular complains of overcrowding on the mainline between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Train drivers have accepted a pay offer from ScotRail following weeks of reduced services on the country's largest passenger network.

The ASLEF union announced 75 per cent of its members voted for the deal which will see drivers get a 4.5 per cent rise, backdated to April.

It comes after members of the Unite and RMT unions also voted to accept the offer from ScotRail.

The deal was agreed just hours before passengers are set to be hammered by the return of peak time fares on all ScotRail services.

The rail firm, which is controlled by the Scottish Government, has also been running a "temporary timetable" since July due to staff shortages.

Aslef Scotland organiser Kevin Lindsay said: “This is a positive result that was achieved through the resolute determination of our members to get a fair pay deal for them and their families.

“I am pleased that ScotRail and the Scottish Government have shown they understand the importance of our members to Scotland’s rail service.

“Appreciating the workforce in the railways is a fundamental prerequisite if Scotland is to deliver the world-class, affordable, attractive and accessible rail services the country needs.

“We are pleased that appreciation of our members has been reflected in this pay agreement.”

The temporary timetable saw 1,660 services operating daily from Monday to Saturday, compared with the usual level of around 2,250 – a cut of 26%.

The TSSA union has asked its members about the offer, which it described as “reasonable”.

ScotRail and Transport Scotland have been asked for comment.

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