Emma Roddick MSP delivered an address at the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport) union’s conference in Inverness on Sunday, emphasising the critical role of rail workers and advocating for significant investment in Scotland’s, particularly the Highlands’, railway infrastructure.
Addressing delegates from across the UK, Ms Roddick began by extending a warm Highland welcome, acknowledging the unique travel experiences many would have had on their journey to Inverness. She commended the RMT for its “vital role in our railway network, advocating for the dedicated professionals who keep our trains moving.”
Ms Roddick highlighted the non-negotiable principles of fair wages, safe working conditions, and a strong voice for every worker, underscoring that the “collective strength of unions like the RMT… ensures these principles for a thriving public service.”
She said:
“Railways aren’t just about getting us from A to B here; they’re about connecting dispersed communities, supporting our busy and growing industries, and offering a sustainable alternative for both freight and people.
“We will only truly empower our Highland communities and meet our ambitious climate targets if we improve our railway infrastructure and services – and that only happens with a dedicated, well-supported workforce.”
She told delegates that “your fight for workers is exactly the same as the fight for better railways.”
While the SNP MSP pointed to positive developments like the Inverness Airport station, she also emphasised the ongoing need for substantial improvements, including the doubling of the Highland Main Line and enhancements to the Far North Line.
The move to public ownership of ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper was hailed as a “massive opportunity” to build a 21st-century public transport system that genuinely serves all of Scotland, including the often-overlooked Highlands. Ms Roddick stressed that the “expertise, experience, and voices” of the RMT are “absolutely crucial in shaping that future.”
Concluding her address, Ms Roddick pledged her ongoing support, stating, “I have always got time to engage with trade unions, nationally and locally, knowing how fundamental they are to a just society.”
Ms Roddick’s speech was met with a positive reception, reinforcing her commitment to a well-supported rail workforce and a robust, modern railway network for Scotland.
