Staffing row threatens to disrupt Bathgate to Airdrie rail link

Jan 7 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A BITTER row has broken out over staffing issues on the new Bathgate to Airdrie rail link.

RMT union bosses want guards on all trains that will use the £300m route.

However, train operators First Scotrail say ticket inspectors fulfil their obligation to have a second member of staff, along with the driver, on each service.

RMT officials claim that First Scotrail have admitted they will run driver-only trains on the new route that will link Glasgow and Edinburgh.

They claim that in a briefing to MSPs the train operator admitted that “there may be times when we may choose to operate a train without a second person”.

Union leaders met Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson yesterday to discuss the issue.

Bob Crow, the union’s general secretary, said: “The Scottish government is responsible for the new Scotrail franchise and it should be making it absolutely clear to the company that there will be no compromise on staffing levels and that the guards will be retained on the trains.

“We will be driving that point home when we meet with the minister.

“This push for driver-only operation is contrary to contractual commitments and is all about delivering more profits for Scotrail regardless of the impact on passenger safety.”

When the line opens in December this year, it will be possible to travel by rail from Bathgate to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Blackridge and Armadale will have new stations and Bathgate station will be relocated as part of the project.

The RMT delegation who were due to meet Mr Stevenson on Wednesday said they would remind the transport minister that First Scotrail are required to have second person on the train at all times.

But a spokesman for the train company hit out at the union and claimed the RMT’s action could derail the bid to open the line on schedule.

However, he admitted that in “unforeseen circumstances”, such as a member of staff calling in sick at late notice, trains may run with just a driver.

The spokesman said: “The Airdrie-Bathgate services are no different from those which have operated in Strathclyde for 25 years.

“And they are no different from the services on the Larkhall-Milngavie line which reopened four years ago — without objections from the RMT — and are playing a crucial role in the wellbeing and prosperity of Lanarkshire.

“Nothing will change with Bathgate to Airdrie, where part of the line already has driver door-operated trains. Indeed, 56 per cent of all ScotRail journeys are on driver door-operated trains — almost 47 million journeys a year.

“We are the only UK train operator that is required through its contract to provide a second person on all its services.

“It is disappointing the scheduled reopening of the £300m Airdrie-Bathgate is at risk in a dispute over which member of staff on the train will open and close the doors.

“There would be no question of them operating if they were not safe.”