Glasgow Subway workers set to strike on summer weekends

The Unite union is unhappy about changes to shifts which don't take account of family life

Author: Rob WallerPublished 25th Jul 2022
Last updated 25th Jul 2022

Staff the Glasgow Subway have voted for a series of one day strikes next month in a row about shift changes which workers say don't take account of the pressures of family life.

The first of the walk outs will happen on Saturday 6th August which is also Rangers first home match of the season, against Kilmarnock.

Unite members voted by 99 per cent for strike action on a 83 per cent turnout

The Unite union has over 200 members who work on the Subway including drivers and station staff.

Strike dates

The 24-hour strike action is scheduled to take place on the following days:

  • Saturday 6 August
  • Tuesday 9 August
  • Saturday 13 August
  • Saturday 27 August

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Row about shifts

The union says the dispute centres on the operator SPT enforcing short-notice changes to duty schedules, with Unite claiming it is leading to significant work-life pressures.

Willie Thomson, Unite Industrial Officer, added: “The strike ballot is a last resort for a hardworking and loyal workforce.

“Time and again the workers have gone above and beyond by keeping the subway running during Covid, and through a time of significant staff pressures.

Work - Life balance

“Our members are angry about the unfair duty rosters which have resulted in imposed shift changes at short notice.

“This is detrimental to our members’ work life balance. SPT should be in no doubt as to our members’ determination to have these rosters changed.”

SPT has been approached for comment.

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