Scots face transport chaos this festive season unless the UK Government can finally resolve an industrial dispute between Network Rail and unions, an SNP minister has warned.
Jenny Gilruth told the Record services would be "hammered" across the country if railway staff walk-out as planned in December and January in a row over pay and job cuts.The Scottish Transport Minister said it was "deeply frustrating" that she was effectively shut-out from talks between Westminster and rail unions despite the strikes having a direct impact across the UK.
Network Rail, which maintains railway infrastructure and mainline stations, is owned and controlled by the UK Government.It means the majority of ScotRail services will be suspended by planned UK-wide strike action by the RMT union on December 13, 14, 16 and 17 as well as January 3, 4, 6 and 7.
Gilruth said: "There has been no meaningful dialogue on this at all. There is a feeling the UK Government has been posted missing on transport issues at the moment.
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