Rail union urges talks but warns of strikes

A union chief yesterday warned of more industrial action within weeks following the third 24-hour rail strike.

Mick Hogg of the RMT union in Scotland said further industrial action could be on the way if talks do not resume to forge an agreement.

He spoke as his union ­members were out in force for the third time in a week, alongside supporters from other unions at the picket line at Glasgow Central station yesterday.

Hogg, RMT Scotland regional officer, said: “The national executive committee and the general secretary will be meeting on Monday to decide where we go from here.

“I would imagine any potential move towards further industrial action will be immediate, so we are talking about July. The RMT, the government and Network Rail need to get round the table to get a fresh perspective on this.”

In Glasgow, members of the Fire Brigades Union drove past the picket line in a fire engine decked out in trade union flags and pride banners.

The news comes as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ­reaffirmed his party’s support for the strike over jobs, pay and conditions. Labour MPs who defied Keir Starmer to appear on picket lines have been encouraged to issue public apologies or risk disciplinary action.

Several frontbenchers were pictured with striking RMT workers on Tuesday. Scottish Labour said: “Anas Sarwar was proud to stand in solidarity with those on the picket lines. This is a crisis entirely of the Government’s making.”

Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley, where there was also a picket line, closed at 7pm. Disruption is expected to hit fans travelling to the Liam Gallagher gig at Glasgow’s Hampden Park today.

Network Rail said: “We’re serious about trying to find a solution and work out a compromise that gives our people a decent pay rise, but it has to be affordable for taxpayers and fare-payers. We remain available for talks, day or night, and will do everything we can to avoid further ­disruption for our passengers.”