ScotRail train drivers to be balloted for strike action amid timetable chaos

ScotRail train drivers are to be balloted over strike action amid an ongoing pay dispute which has seen chaos on Scotland’s railways.

Members of train driver union ASLEF have already implemented a rest day and overtime ban, resulting in the rail operator enacting an emergency timetable, cutting hundreds of services across the country.

As a result, more than a quarter of ScotRail trains have been cancelled, with the firm adding that overtime has historically been needed to deliver a normal timetable of more than 2,250 services each day.

ScotRail has been in pay discussions with rail trade unions ASLEF, RMT, TSSA, and Unite for several weeks.

A formal pay offer was made on July 5 but was rejected by all four trade unions.

It is understood that ASLEF will now ballot members over taking strike action amid the pay dispute.

It comes after ScotRail was criticised for putting on extra rail services for The Open at Royal Troon – despite festival-goers being left with no trains from Glasgow on Sunday for the final night of TRNSMT.

Kevin Lindsay from ASLEF blasted the decision, adding: “It is beyond frustrating that our bread and butter services are being cut, while ScotRail prioritises the spare capacity that does exist for trains for golf spectators instead.”

ScotRail responded that it was able to operate extra services despite the reduced timetable as The Open is a daytime event and requires extra resource on just one rail line linking Troon with Glasgow Central.

It added that it had also partnered with Stagecoach to provide a two-in-one Golflink ticket which includes both return rail travel to Troon Station as well as a regular shuttle bus linking customers to and from the championship.