FURTHER rail strikes affecting West Fife commuters have now been averted after an agreement was reached between the RMT union and ScotRail.

The union has confirmed the planned industrial action would be “withdrawn immediately” after members agreed the one year pay deal.

Rail services in Scotland have been crippled for months by strikes, with trains on the Fife Circle being halted on Sundays because of the industrial action.

Further strike action had been threatened to take place during COP26 and both ScotRail and the Scottish Government had imposed a 5pm deadline on Wednesday evening to reach a resolution to the dispute over pay and working conditions.

Following discussions between the two parties, a 2.5 per cent pay increase – backdated to April 1 – was agreed while there will be a £300 to all staff ensuring COP26 is fully supported and a three hour book-on allowance applied to each rest day worked, applicable for 12 months from the date of this agreement.

By accepting this offer, it was agreed that all current disputes between RMT and ScotRail would be resolved and that all current and planned Industrial Action would be withdrawn immediately.

A joint statement from ScotRail and the RMT confirmed an agreement had been reached.

Ian McConnell, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said they were now looking forward to Scotland’s Railway playing its part in delivering a successful COP26 next week.

Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, added: “As the disputes are resolved strike action has been cancelled and RMT members have been advised to work normally."