RAIL union RMT announced today that strike action is set to go ahead in four separate disputes on Scotland’s railways as industrial relations sink to a new low.

Transport workers across Scotland will walk out over the next week, with concerns raised over pay for staff being offered by private contractors running the country’s railways. 

On Sunday, ScotRail workers will take action in their long-running fight for pay justice for all grades and another dispute over enhancements for rest-day working.

RMT members on the Serco Caledonian Sleeper are preparing for 11 days of strikes from Tuesday over a pay freeze, while railway maintenance staff in Perth will also be taking strike action on Tuesday and Wednesday over a breach of dignity and respect policy.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch warned that Scotland’s railways are set for a long hot summer of disputes. 

“The fact that we now have four disputes running in Scotland shows just how badly privateers like Abellio and Serco run their operations and treat their workers,” he said.

“If the companies will not sit round the table and engage in serious talks aimed at resolving each of these disputes then the politicians responsible for issuing the franchises need to intervene and force their hand.”

ScotRail reiterated its demands that the RMT call off its strike action, underlining that its position on worker pay will not change. 

Operations director David Simpson said: “Railway jobs are being put at risk by the reckless actions of the RMT and we are urging union bosses to call off these divisive strikes.”

Serco’s Kathryn Darbandi said the strike action is both unjustified and very disappointing, adding: “We have also been clear that we fully intend to resume pay talks next year, once the business is in a stronger position.”