NO TO DRIVER ONLY OPERATION ON SCOTRAIL

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2023 :: RMTnews 15 RMT has launched a campaign to defend the role of the guard at ScotRail after the company tabled short-sighted proposals to extend Driver Only Operation (DOO) on a number of lines including Barrhead, East Kilbride and Kilmarnock. Under ScotRail proposals there would be no role for conductors in despatch and no guarantee of a second member of staff on board. RMT is completely opposed to any further extension of DOO, which risks passenger safety, security and accessibility and members’ jobs and conditions. The union has launched a number of mass meetings for the affected members including conductors in Dumfries, Glasgow and Ayr as well as a high-profile public and political campaign alongside an industrial campaign. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch warned that if ScotRail is able to roll out DOO on these lines the company would not stop there as this was not the first time DOO had been threatened by ScotRail. “In 2016 RMT conductor members took a number of days industrial action in a successful fight to oppose DOO and protect the role of the guard. “That is why all RMT conductor members at ScotRail need to support the campaign to fight off the threat of DOO. “It is important to note that ScotRail is now owned and managed in public ownership by the Scottish government, and it can intervene at any time. “That’s why in addition to our industrial campaign, RMT will be campaigning politically for the Scottish government to scrap these harmful proposals permanently,” he said. When the company first announced its intentions, the union wrote to the Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop MSP to register the union’s complete opposition to an extension of DOO. Supportive MSPs have also tabled parliamentary questions and a motion in the Scottish Parliament and events with MSPs will be taking place as part of the campaign. RMT will also be campaigning publicly to ensure that passengers are aware of what is being proposed and to build support for the campaign. As part of this, public meetings and demos will be taking place and all details will be circulated to members and on social media. Here IS what RMT members can do to support the campaign: • Get the message to your colleagues about what the company is planning and be ready to fight these plans • Lobby your MSP – ask them to oppose any extension of DOO and raise concerns with the Scottish government which owns ScotRail • Make sure your membership details are up- to-date. Email info@rmt.org.uk with any updates • Follow the website and social media for campaign updates @RMT_Scotland & @RMTUnion • Attend and publicise public actions as part of the campaign Regular updates will be sent to members and shared on social media. Campaign resources will be available online at www.rmt.org.uk/campaigns/ NO TO DRIVER ONLY OPERATION ON SCOTRAIL Details of campaign meetings and action available on the RMT website tish government, tervene at any in He