Lothian Buses drivers will take vote to avoid strike action
A ballot will be held this Friday on a new pay offer
Last updated 22nd Jul 2019
Drivers for Lothian Buses will vote on Friday 26th July on whether to accept a deal and avoid strike action which would begin the same day that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival kicks off.
An offer has been tabled which includes a 2.7% pay rise and a commitment from the company to address concerns around a culture of bullying.
If the deal is rejected in Friday's vote, Unite the Union says it will then move to begin strike action starting August 2nd 2019. In June, 91% of members voted to support strike action on a turnout of 63%.
Lyn Turner, regional officer for Unite, said they will advise drivers to accept the deal, saying:
"We feel that is an offer that can be recommended to members and members should accept that.
"Ultimately, if members don't accept that we'll take industrial action beginning the 2nd of August"
Richard Hall, Lothian’s Managing Director, said:
"We have had positive discussions with Unite which has now led to a deal being agreed between Lothian and union officials.
"They have agreed this will be taken forward to their members with a recommendation to accept the proposal. It is the hope of both parties that this agreement can be passed in order to avoid disruption at one of the busiest times of year in the city."
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