Over 300 Unite members lend support to deal

Unite the union can confirm today (Wednesday 14 May) that its Scotrail membership have overwhelmingly backed a two-year pay offer. 

83 per cent of Unite’s membership supported the 3.6 per cent wage offer by Scotrail which will be backdated to take effect from April.

In the second year of the deal starting in April 2026, the pay increase will amount to 3 per cent or the January retail prices index figure - whichever is greater. 

There are improvements to allowances including maternity pay which is increasing to 13 weeks full pay - up from half pay, and adoption pay rising to 13 weeks half pay - up from statutory pay. 

Enhancements to paternity leave and pay have been secured with a third more time off and an increase in paid leave from 2-week statutory pay to 3 weeks full pay. Apprentice pay will also increase to the Scottish Living Wage (£12.60) - up 5 per cent. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s Scotrail membership have given their overwhelming support to a good deal which secured a rise in pay along with a boost to workplace benefits.  We are pleased to have successfully negotiated this deal which helps to drive up jobs, pay and conditions in Scotland’s rail industry.” 

Unite represents over 300 Scotrail general workers including the engineering grades who provide maintenance, overhaul and repair services for the railway rolling stock. If safety critical work is not carried out, then the nation’s railway network cannot effectively operate. 

The bargaining structure for general workers at Scotrail covering engineers is separate from drivers which is covered by different arrangements. 

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “The Scotrail pay deal for general workers is a good one which received the overwhelming support from Unite’s members. It delivers a range of enhancements to our members including increases in maternity, paternity and adoption pay. Apprentices will also get a significant uplift in basic pay alongside a decent rise for all workers over two years.”

ENDS 

Notes to Editors: 

For media enquiries contact: Andrew Brady on 07810 157922 or andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org 

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.