No trains in Scotland during COP26 if strike goes ahead

The SNP’s transport minister has said he has “no idea” why rail workers still plan to strike after a new two-year deal was offered to union bosses.

Graeme Day MSP told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland programme they were offered a “very fair deal” which was the “best” one on the table and has urged workers to halt the industrial action scheduled to clash with the climate conference being held in Glasgow from 1-12 November.

The RMT union said on Thursday that 84 per cent of its members had voted in favour of the strike.

Mr Day suggested that union members may have approved of the action without awareness of the new proposal.

Michael Hogg of the RMT union later told the BBC that the government’s new deal was “not worthy of consideration”, allegedly that the pay increase offer was 4.7% over two years, but would mandate workers surrendering some other terms and conditions.

He said there will be no train services in Scotland during the climate summit if their action goes ahead.

Caledonian Sleeper workers will also strike.