Crunch talks aim to derail train strike

RAIL managers and trade union officials were today holding talks over strikes planned for Christmas.

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) at Scotrail are due to strike on December 22 and Christmas Eve.

The action is in support of worker Scott Lewis, who the RMT said has been sacked for trying to help a member of the public buy the correct ticket.

Scotrail described the move as a “clear attack” on the travelling public across Scotland at Christmas.

RMT members on the firm’s sleeper services will also strike for 24 hours from the evening of December 21 and again from the evening of December 23.

Scotrail said it was working on contingency plans to minimise disruption and that most trains would be running if the strikes are not averted.

General secretary Bob Crow called for the worker’s immediate reinstatement.

He said: “Scott Lewis has been victimised and sacked for trying to help a passenger within the written procedures set out in Scotrail’s own policies in what is an absolute travesty of justice.”