'Our members can’t afford to live': Disruptions expected in Glasgow as rail strikes continue

As well as Thursday, Network Rail workers will also walk out on Saturday in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

With limited services available, ScotRail warned customers to expect disruption during the strikes and on Friday and Sunday as services restart.

RMT members rally in front of Glasgow Central station

They demanded a pay rise

The crowd at Glasgow city central

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RMT picket lines took place at Glasgow Central railway station as well as outside the Network Rail head office.

Gordon Martin, 51, RMT regional organiser, told the Glasgow Times: “This is day five of a national rail strike.

“We’ve done a demonstration at Network Rail’s head office, and the reason for [targeting] Network Rail is because they are looking to cut the mainland’s regime in half, which will endanger the travelling public.

“They’re also looking to rip up our member's terms and conditions, impose pay freezes and [ScotRail boss] Alex Hinds - who adds no value whatsoever to the railway – is telling us he’s going to impose stuff on us and that’ll not be happening. So, that’s why we’re here.

“We’ve got phenomenal solidarity from politicians to the trade union movement because everybody knows what’s at stake here.

“If a worker cannot withdraw their labour, they’re a slave and we will be slaves to no one.”

A dog at the industrial action

Dozens of workers turned up for the event

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer pictured on the RMT picket line outside Glasgow Central Station

Other members of the RMT turned out for the industrial action.

Phil McGally, 75, who has been a member of RMT for 44 years, said: “Today’s strike, and the strike actions we have taken so far, is vitally important to send a message to the Government that we are not going to agree to massive job losses.

“We are looking for a cost-of-living increase and to get a guarantee that jobs and the terms and conditions that members have enjoyed for years will be protected.

“Cost of living is going through the roof and it’s outrageous. Pensioners, the vulnerable in society are all suffering. Everything is going haywire, and they’re not bothered one bit.”

Jennifer Milne, 34, from Cumbernauld, joined RMT in 2015 when she started her job as a signaller for Network Rail.

She said: “We have gone without a pay raise for three years.

“We worked through the pandemic, inflation is massive, all the top companies are reporting huge profits, and yet they keep telling us they can’t afford to pay their workers decent wages. It’s an absolute joke.

“I have members of my family who work in the maintenance department and their jobs are under threat, and basically our members can’t afford to live.

“It’s ridiculous and I think it’s time that people in the country stood up against it.”

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Jennifer Milne, 34, from Cumbernauld

Participants chanted and speakers motivated the crowd

Delays are expected across ScotRail services due to the action

Travellers are advised to plan ahead

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, and Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, both spoke out about the ongoing action.

Mr Simpson said: “It is very unfortunate to see such widespread disruption across the whole of the Great Britain rail network and we know this will be frustrating for ScotRail customers.

“Regrettably, this strike action by RMT members of Network Rail means that we will not be able to operate the vast majority of our services during the period of strike action.”

Mr Haines added: “It saddens me that we are again having to ask passengers to stay away from the railway for two days this week due to unnecessary strike action, when we should be helping them enjoy their summers.

“We have made a good and fair offer but, with the exception of our TSSA management grades who accepted the deal, our unions are refusing to let our employees have a say and, sadly, that means more disruption on the rail network.

“We’ll run as many services as we can on Thursday and Saturday, but it will only be around a fifth of the usual timetable, so please only travel if absolutely necessary and, if you must travel, plan ahead and check when your last train will be.”