TRANSPORT unions have described the latest offer from ScotRail bosses as a “slap in the face to rail workers,” amid claims of government interference in pay negotiations.

Representatives from RMT, Aslef, TSSA and Unite have raised concerns over ongoing discussions about pay after bosses offered as little as an extra £10 per year to workers, funded by cutting internal training costs. 

According to unions, Abellio, ScotRail’s current operators, says it’s  under instructions from the Scottish government not to award any pay rise to rail workers, a claim denied by government representatives.

ScotRail and Transport Scotland have said that there is no new money to fund a pay increase, claiming that unions should come forward with savings suggestions through collective bargaining. 

In a joint statement, the unions said that workers were now being “forced” into considering industrial action due to a lack of engagement from ScotRail.

They added: “This is a slap in the face to rail workers who have worked throughout the pandemic.”