ScotRail makes improved offer which could end pay dispute with Aslef

ScotRail has made an improved offer of 5%, which could bring the pay dispute with the Aslef union to an end.

Talks have taken place between the rail operator and the union.

If the offer is accepted, then basic pay for drivers (except trainees and those that are newly qualified) would rise by more than £2,600, taking the salary to more than £55,000.

ScotRail says its offer "recognises the cost-of-living challenges faced by families and delivers good value to the public".

The 5% is divided into a 2.2% rise increase to recognise the cost-of-living challenges, which is to be funded by Transport Scotland, while the remaining 2.8 per cent increase will be funded by ScotRail.

A temporary timetable has been in place since last month amid a driver shortage.

Accoridng to the rail operator, Aslef said it would recommend putting the offer to a referendum of its members and recommend acceptance of the offer itself.

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "We’ve made a really good offer which recognises the cost-of-living challenges faced by families across the country and delivers good value for the public.

"The feedback we’ve had from many drivers is that they recognise we have made a series of very good offers and we are pleased they will get a say in a referendum.

"The railway plays a vital role in growing the economy and connecting communities. Now more than ever we all need to work together to attract more people to the railway as we recover from the impact of the pandemic."

According to the Press Association, Kevin Lindsay, the union's Scottish organiser, says there's been major progress.

He said: "We are pleased that today significant progress has been made in our latest round of talks with ScotRail."

"All these proposals, we believe, represent a breakthrough and significant progress and is a recognition of the vital role our members play for society and the economy.

"The full Aslef negotiating team is recommending acceptance of the offer to our members through a referendum subject to executive committee approval."