MORAY RAIL PASSENGERS are being warned to prepare for a UK-wide rail strike that could hit services through the region next week.
The RMT Union has said they will strike on Monday and Tuesday – now Scotrail chiefs say that if that goes ahead it will cause severe disruption on most services in Scotland, including the Inverness to Aberdeen line.
Last night the rail company sent out a warning email to passengers on their database warning of the imminent action. A spokesman said: “We are finalising which services will be able to run on the days of the industrial action and will be publishing these on our website as early as Wednesday (today).
“The time for action is now – passengers should visit our website daily between now and the strike to make sure they have the latest information. They might also register with our free Journey Check alert service and download our app.”
The statement added: “We know just how inconvenient it can be when you are not able to travel using your normal service.
“We are absolutely committed to giving you information as soon as we have it so that you can make alternative arrangements whenever possible.”
RMT say that their action over pay has been prompted by failures by Network Rail. The Union’s general secretary Nick Cash said: “Our members have decisively rejected the pay package offered by Network Rail and the failure of the company to make any moves whatsoever in light of the overwhelming vote in the ballot has left us with no option but to move to a rolling programme of industrial action.
“We have a massive mandate for action which shows the anger of safety-critical staff across the rail network at attacks on their standards of living and their job security.
“It is appalling that NR are refusing point blank to take this dispute seriously, to understand the deep-seated grievance felt by their staff and to come forward with a renewed offer which protects pay, jobs and safety.
“We have made it clear that as far as RMT Is concerned the one off, non-consolidated, lump-sum payment this year is wholly inadequate and fails to recognise the massive pressures staff are working under to keep services running safely at a time when the company is generating profits of £1 billion.
“It is our members battling to keep Britain moving around the clock and they deserve a fair share from Network Rail for their incredible efforts.”