RAIL union, RMT, has launched a petition against train operator ScotRail after disagreements over 'pay justice and equality.'

The union has claimed that ScotRail has extended an enhanced payment rest day working agreement to one grade of workers within the company, while other grades of workers have not been offered the same. 

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “All grades of ScotRail workers are essential workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to keep Scotland’s rail services running. 

READ MORE: Sunday Strikes: ScotRail issue warning to customers over cancellations

“All RMT ScotRail Conductor and Ticket Examiner members are seeking is parity between grades.

"It is a kick in the teeth for these workers, that despite their commitment throughout the pandemic, Abellio is refusing to treat all grades equally and is instead preoccupied with issuing provocative statements criticising its own workforce.

“It is high time that the Scottish Government stepped in and committed itself and Abellio to meaningful talks, and this is what RMT’s petition is calling for.  

“These essential workers deserve pay justice and equality.”

The petition comes as ticket examiners and train conductors have taken part in RMT strike action over calls for a 50% increase in overtime payments for no additional hours worked, which has affected ScotRail's Sunday service. 

A spokesman for ScotRail said: "The RMT’s strike action, in a bid to force a 50 per cent increase in overtime payments for no additional hours worked, is wrong, divisive, and should be called off.

"Passenger numbers and revenue dropped by more than 90 per cent during the pandemic, but thanks to emergency government support ScotRail hasn’t cut any jobs, pay, or benefits, and hasn’t had to use furlough.

"That’s not something that we take for granted, particularly when many other transport operators have made difficult decisions about jobs and pay.

"Now that lockdown restrictions are gradually lifting, we all need to work together to attract more people back to the railway, which is the only thing that will provide long-term job security. The reckless actions of RMT bosses puts that at risk."