PLANNED walkouts could be prevented as ScotRail bosses are reportedly confident train services will return to normal after union officials accepted a new pay offer.

The train provider has been operating under a reduced timetable which was sparked by a ban on overtime by drivers amid an ongoing pay dispute. 

Thousands of ScotRail staff will be recommended to accept an improved 4.5% deal which the Scotsman reports was agreed upon a day before a series of walkouts were to be announced.

Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members had already voted for the stoppages while train drivers under the Aslef union were expected to follow suit as their strike ballot results were expected to return due this week.

However, ScotRail said the train driver's union has now shelved the proposed vote on industrial action and will now hold a ballot over the new offer, which will close on September 25.

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The reduced temporary timetable has cut trains by 25%, with the number of carriages on some services reduced.

ScotRail is expected to continue running the temporary timetable until the end of September.

The timetable was introduced to provide a more reliable service after drivers opted out of doing overtime, which ScotRail relies heavily on for its late and weekend service, according to union representatives.

The Scottish Government-owned train provider is reportedly hoping that Aslef accepts the pay offer so drivers can resume working overtime – especially on Sundays as services are reduced by 40%.

ScotRail service delivery director Mark Ilderton told The Scotsman: “The talks with trade union colleagues have been very constructive and it is a fantastic step forward with Aslef withdrawing the ballot for industrial action and moving forward with a member referendum on the pay offer.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to reach this position and would encourage all colleagues to support the offer.” 

The one-year offer, backdated to April, comes after a three-year deal worth around 9%, including around 3% this year, was rejected by union officials.

It is also reported RMT, which includes train crew and station staff, will recommend accepting the pay offer in a ballot of its members.

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A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “The progress on pay talks, with the unions’ recommendation to their national executive that the latest offer is taken to a members’ referendum, is welcome.

“Ministers would encourage those involved to vote to accept this fair and affordable pay deal to enable ScotRail to return to the previous timetable of around 2250 services per day – the highest since pre-Covid.”