WEE COUNTY commuters are facing "significant" travel disruption next week with no trains running from Alloa on three separate days.

A strike from RMT rail union members will mean no services from Clacks on Tuesday, June 21, and Thursday, June 23, forcing commuters to find alternative means of transport.

The industrial action will also take place on Saturday, June 25, with ScotRail scheduling only a handful of routes across Scotland.

RMT rail union announced the strike action across the railway network amid a dispute with Network Rail over pay and safety.

Mick Lynch, the union's general secretary, said: “Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.

"We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1 per cent and rising.

"Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.

"Rail companies are making at least £500m a year in profits, whilst fat cat rail bosses have been paid millions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This unfairness is fuelling our members' anger and their determination to win a fair settlement.

"RMT is open to meaningful negotiations with rail bosses and ministers, but they will need to come up with new proposals to prevent months of disruption on our railways."

The dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, but the action will have a major effect on the company's ability to provide services.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, services will only be operational on the Edinburgh – Glasgow via Falkirk High, Edinburgh – Bathgate, Glasgow – Hamilton/Larkhall, Glasgow – Lanark and Edinburgh – Glasgow via Shotts routes, and will finish at 6.30pm.

Signal boxes will not operate for passenger services on any other routes on the strike days.

Furthermore, ScotRail explained the disruption to services will be felt beyond the three dates set down.

On days following strikes, there will be disruption caused by the re-opening of signal boxes, key safety pieces of infrastructure, at different times across the country.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Regrettably, this strike action by RMT members of Network Rail means that we will not be able to operate the vast majority of our services during the period of strike action.

"Customers should expect significant disruption to services next week, including on the days between strike action.

“On the five routes where we are able to operate a very limited service on strike days, we’re advising customers to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel if they really need to.”

Customers are advised to check the ScotRail app or visit scotrail.co.uk for the latest information before travelling next week.