TRADE unionists gathered outside a major Glasgow train station today to urge First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to take action and oppose proposed cuts to Scotland’s railways. 

Members of Scotland’s rail unions — Aslef, RMT, TSSA and Unite — made their feelings heard at the official unveiling of the new Queen Street station.

During a ministerial visit to the refurbished station ahead of the UN Cop26 climate conference, Ms Sturgeon was drowned out by workers who shared their anger at the poor treatment of railway staff. 

The unions said that investment in Scotland’s railways, valuing staff and expanding services is fundamental to meet environmental targets.

The call comes against a backdrop of industrial disputes caused by the lack of respect shown towards ScotRail staff. 

An internal report, released earlier this year, also suggested that a permanent 10 per cent cut to ScotRail services would cost up to 1,000 jobs and lead to further threats of industrial action.

The trade unions are angry that the Scottish government have so far failed to intervene and settle these disputes by properly valuing the rail workers who kept the country moving during the pandemic.

The unions said in a joint statement: “There is no way that Scotland can take the climate action it needs without appropriate investment in our railways and in the staff who keep Scotland moving. 

“It is time for the Scottish government to understand that the staff are the railway’s biggest asset and it’s high time they were seen as such rather than the potential efficiency that they are being treated like at the moment.”

Ms Sturgeon said she hoped to see the dispute resolved before Cop26, encouraging both to engage. 

Transport Scotland was approached for comment.