TRAIN services will face widespread disruption when RMT trade union members take part in strike action next week. 

ScotRail has confirmed there will be a very limited number of services operating on a small number of routes on Saturday, October 29. 

It will be the second day of strike action by ScotRail general grades RMT members, following industrial action on Monday, October 10 and is a result of the trade union's rejection of an improved pay offer made by ScotRail. 

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More than 2000 ScotRail employees are members of the RMT, including in roles such as conductors, ticket examiners, hospitality, station staff (including train dispatch), engineering depot staff, train presentation, supervisors, resource co-ordinators, and CCTV operators.

On the day of strike action, ScotRail has confirmed it will only be able to operate a limited service from 7.30am to 6.30pm on the following three routes:

  • Milngavie - Edinburgh Wavlery via Glasgow Central Station low level (half hourly service)
  • Glasgow Central - Lanark (hourly service)
  • Glasgow Central - Larkhall (hourly service)

As a result, there will be very limited service for rugby fans heading to Scotland's first autumn international match against Australia with fans advised to consider alternative arrangements.

ScotRail members of the RMT’s general grades are also currently taking part in an overtime and rest day working ban as part of action short of a strike.

This has seen some daily cancellations across the ScotRail network since Friday, October 14, as the train operator requires rest day working and overtime while recruitment continues. 

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David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "We’re really disappointed that the dispute with the RMT remains ongoing, given the strength of the improved pay offer ScotRail made.  

"Further strike action has a damaging effect on railway’s recovery at a time when we should be encouraging more people to travel.

"Instead, our customers are being severely impacted and our staff losing out through lost wages.  

"Regrettably, we won’t be able to operate the vast majority of our services on Saturday, October 29, and customers should expect significant disruption to services due to the large proportion of ScotRail staff who are members of the RMT trade union. 

"We’re advising customers, including rugby fans intending to travelling to Scotland’s first autumn international at Murrayfield, to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel by train if they really need to. 

"We remain open to resolving this dispute."

Earlier this week, Network Rail members of the RMT trade union announced they will take part in 24-hour strike action on Thursday, November 3, Saturday, November 5, and Monday, November 7.

This dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, however, it will have a major knock-on effect on the train operator’s ability to provide services as the RMT planned action will involve Network Rail staff in Scotland.

ScotRail is now assessing the impact this will have on its services and will update customers as soon as possible. 

You can find out more HERE.