ScotRail conductors will take strike action later this month, it has been announced. 

Conductors who are members of the RMT will be striking over the role of the guard on services along the Barrhead and East Kilbride routes.

It comes as the RMT have said they have concerns over the responsibilities of the conductor, including dispatch, opening and closing doors and their safety critical role.

Scotrail members voted overwhelmingly for strike action with 76% voting 'yes' on a 79% turnout.

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The 48-hour strikes will begin on Saturday, May 18 and will take place thereafter on Sunday, May 19, Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26 and Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. 

Glasgow Times: RMT flag

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "ScotRail members have spoken loud and clear - they will not allow the employer to dilute their roles and responsibilities as guards.

"Our members play a vital safety role with dispatch of services and while the train is on the move.

"The Scottish government which has overall responsibility for ScotRail, needs to wake up to the reality that our members want to be treated as valuable assets on the railway and they will not back down until a negotiated settlement is reached."