Rail workers announced yesterday they are to go on strike over proposals to cut CCTV staff.

The move comes after the RMT union warned the cutbacks would seriously compromise public safety.

Union leaders said 17 posts are at risk under ScotRail’s plans, with remaining staff then facing changes to working practices, including enforced night shifts.

They added that members at Paisley and Dunfermline have voted overwhelmingly for strike action.

Members of the RMT will refuse to book on for shifts that start between 12.01am and 11.59pm on Saturday, May 5, and between 6am on Monday, June 11, and 5.59am on Tuesday, June 12.

Members of the TSSA union have already backed strike action on May 5 and June 11, as well as Saturday, May 19 – the day of the Scottish Cup final at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “It defies belief that in the current climate, where anti-social behaviour, assaults and security threats are rife, ScotRail would be decimating their CCTV operations in this cavalier fashion.”

However, a ScotRail Alliance spokesman said: “We have contingency measures in place to ensure that any proposed action will have no impact on the service our customers receive.

“We are disappointed with this decision but will continue discussions with our people.”