ScotRail again offers to meet RMT
Friday 19 February 2010
ScotRail today reiterated its offer to meet the RMT at any time.
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, advised the union in writing:
"Firstly, we strongly refute your allegations that driver door operated services with a ticket examiner on board is unsafe.
"Secondly, I note that you have challenged ScotRail to join you for meaningful talks. I would remind you that I have repeatedly made clear I am available for talks at any time. This is the first suggestion that you want to meet. Please contact me to arrange a suitable date and time."
Mr Montgomery was responding to a so-called "challenge" by the union for talks.
The RMT has announced a strike tomorrow over having ticket examiners rather than conductors as the second person on services on the new £300m line between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate.
ScotRail intends to run at least nine of 10 trains across Scotland.
Mr Montgomery said: "It is business as usual for Scotland’s railway. Our contingency plans are such that almost all our customers will not notice there is a strike.
"However, ScotRail has repeatedly said it remains available for further talks at any time."
Media inquiries
Iain Wilson: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com
Notes to editors
The new service will be subsidised by the Scottish Government which is reopening the rail link at a cost of more than £300 million.
It would cost Scottish taxpayers £1.4m to convert the trains for conductors to open and close doors. The modifications would also delay the timing of the new route opening which is scheduled for December.
The new link will offer major benefits to passengers - and creates 130 new jobs.
The trains are no different from those which have operated in Strathclyde for 25 years.
The protection of the train is the driver’s responsibility on all ScotRail services regardless of the grade of the second person on board - a ticket examiner or a conductor. In so far as evacuation is concerned, all on board staff are trained in evacuation.
Safety is the key value of our company. There would be no question of these trains operating if they were not safe. ScotRail has over 25 years’ experience of running such services.
