Rail strike on day of big rugby tie

Feb 9 2010

Rugby fans will be hit by a 24-hour rail strike on the day Scotland face England, it has been confirmed.

The planned walk-out on March 13, the day of one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, was branded "cynical" by ScotRail. Around 550 workers will stage three 24-hour strikes, citing safety fears, in protest at the absence of conductors on a new service.

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers disagree with train operator ScotRail's plans not to employ conductors on-board the new Glasgow to Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate route.