A strike would have caused major disruption

A damaging rail strike during the COP26 summit has been avoided after a pay deal was agreed tonight with the RMT union.

The deal gives its members a 2.5% rise backdated to 1 April with improved conditions and a COP payment for all staff.

Ian McConnell, ScotRail chief operating officer, said: “We have reached a pay agreement with the RMT trade union that resolves strike action.

“We look forward to Scotland’s Railway playing its part in delivering a successful COP26 next week.”

Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said: “Following further discussions between RMT and ScotRail an agreement has been reached and the proposals have been accepted by the union.