THE DISPUTE between union members and ScotRail bosses has come to an end, in principle.

As reported throughout the summer, members of rail union RMT embarked on a campaign of industrial action over driver only and driver controlled operation (DOO/DCO) safety fears.

Following a meeting last week, the RMT's executive accepted a deal that protects guards and their safety critical role, describing the in-principle agreement as “a major breakthrough in the battle against driver only operation”.

Union members are being encouraged to accept the terms in a referendum ballot.

In a letter to union members, RMT general secretary Mick Cash wrote: “This agreement has been reached as a result of your determination to fight to protect your hard won terms and conditions and just as importantly your role within the industry.

“This is more than just a victory for ScotRail it is a victory for the defence of the role of the guard and a step forward in our continuing campaign against driver only operation.

“This agreement will be welcomed by passengers and members alike.”

The deal applies to ScotRail electronic multiple unit (EMU) services that will operate on newly electrified lines, including Alloa to Glasgow, as well as already existing EMU services that are conductor operated.

Mr Cash added: “This agreement retains conventional staffing of the electric trains on the above routes. Hitachi has been instructed to fit door control panels to Class 385 rolling stock.

“This agreement guarantees a guard on every new electrified train and that the conductor will retain their full competency [such as] rules, track safety, evacuation.

“In addition ScotRail confirm that trains operating these services will not run without a competent conductor on board.”

Following the agreement, Phil Vester, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, told BBC Radio Scotland: “Yesterday we reached agreement with both the Aslef and RMT trade unions on a way forward with regard to how doors will be operated on our new trains that are getting delivered next year.

"That will have to go through a process of referenda with their respective members to get final approval, but we think we are there with an agreement that's a win-win for both parties.

“Once every 40 years, when you introduce new trains you have an opportunity to make a change in the operating practices for the fleet, so we had to explore what was possible with our new fleet coming in next year.

"And so in the end it's a compromise, and it's a win-win for both parties and we are now keen to just focus on the future and how we continue to transform and improve Scotland's railways for our customers."

He added: “With the agreement we reached yesterday, I don't foresee any strikes from this point onwards on this issue."