6 May 2010
First ScotRail statement on RMT dispute
As received from First ScotRail:
Dear stakeholder
I should like to update you on the latest position following the RMT trade union strikes last month when ScotRail ran 95% of services.
It is with regret that I have to advise that there have been no further talks with the RMT since the strikes of April 12-14, despite my door remaining open at any time aimed at a resolution.
It is also regrettable that the RMT continues to provide inaccurate information to its members - and in particular continues to say that the trains on the new Airdrie to Bathgate line are unsafe.
We have now been informed that the Scottish Government has again been advised that driver door operations are safe - by the Office of Rail Regulation, the Rail Safety and Standards Board and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
One review even indicates driver only operations may be safer than those where a conductor opens and closes the doors.
It follows the RMT giving the Scottish Government a file of documents on driver door operated trains - and asking if the information could be reviewed with regard to safety.
To all intents, the ORR, RSSB and the RAIB have found that their previous advice remains unchanged - and that driver door operated trains are a safe, acceptable form of operation which has been used for many years.
The RSSB said of data on injuries resulting from boarding and alighting trains: “The review offers no evidence that driver only operations lead to a higher level of this type of injury per passenger journey rather than non-driver only: if anything it indicates that driver only operations may be safer.”
Technological advances in train protection and warning systems and in-cab radio systems, and other improvements, have significantly reduced safety risks on the railway.
The RSSB stressed: “The railway is very different now compared with 20 years ago – changes have included improvements in rolling stock design, infrastructure integrity, and driving techniques as well as the introduction of TPWS (train warning protection system).”
Today, we can only reiterate that Airdrie-Bathgate trains will be no different from those which have operated in Strathclyde for many years.
Indeed, 56% of all ScotRail journeys are made on these trains – almost 47 million journeys a year. The operating system is also the same as those on the Larkhall branch line which opened as recently as four years ago – without objection from the RMT.
Nothing changes with Airdrie-Bathgate - where part of the line already has driver door operated trains. In addition, ScotRail meets all legislative and Railway Industry Standards on the safety measures for the operating system.
It is extremely disappointing that the RMT has formally rejected my offer which guaranteed that conductor posts will be no less than the current number of 540 until November 2014, the end of the current franchise - especially when the new line will create 130 jobs at a time a number of businesses across the UK are announcing posts are being axed or threatened.
The trade union has, however, agreed to a one year pay deal which saw salaries increased by 3.7% from April 1, 2010.
Finally, no claim has been made by ScotRail to compensate for costs arising from strike action, nor has any payment been received.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Yours sincerely,
John Yellowlees
External Relations Manager
First ScotRail
Atrium Court
50 Waterloo Street
Glasgow G2 6HQ
First ScotRail Limited. Registered in Scotland No. SC185018. Registered office : 395 King Street Aberdeen AB24 5RP