Strike hits Scottish rail

The first of two 24-hour strikes by signal workers has caused disruption to rail services in Scotland.

Around 450 Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) staff walked out from midday yesterday and are due to stage a second 24-hour strike from midday tomorrow (Thursday).

According to RMT, the row is over roster agreements but Network Rail claims the action is focused on the issue of whether safety assessments should be voluntary.

Negotiations between the two are due to take place later today.

First ScotRail said it hoped to run as many trains as possible but a limited timetable is operating between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Details of disruption can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions.

Flybe claims it has seen a substantial increase in customer demand for travel to and from Scotland for the remainder of the week due to the strike action.

It operates 122 flights a day serving Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow from a range of UK mainland. By Bev Fearis Travel Mole website.

Published: 8.10.2008