Tram workers to strike during Scotland Rugby match
More than 100 drivers and ticket assistants at Edinburgh Trams are set to go on strike over 'broken promises' in a pay deal, according to their Union
Last updated 2nd Nov 2022
More than 100 drivers and ticket assistants at Edinburgh Trams could be set to strike.
Their Union say they'll take industrial action later this month, blaming 'broken promises' from the operator over a pay deal.
Unite claim an agreement reached in August, which was accepted by members, included a commitment to review sick pay for those with long term or critical illnesses.
But they say the Trams have now reneged on that - despite claims it had never been a sticking point during negotiations.
Action would be held between the 17th and 27th of November, this would impact Scotland's final Autumn test Rugby match with Argentina on the 19th.
Tram workers accepted the ‘reasonable’ offer of pay rise in August of between 6.5 and 11 per cent equivalent, based on current staff pay grade.
As part of the agreed one-year deal, company sick pay for tram workers was to be reviewed with proposals to increase to six months full pay for long-term and critical illness followed by six months’ half pay. Currently workers off on long term sick only get 6 weeks full pay only.
Unite say Tram bosses have told them they can't afford to provide that part of the deal.
Unite Regional Officer Lyn Turner said: "Today we served a strike action notice to Edinburgh Trams. After signing a pay deal reached in good faith senior management has broken their promise on that part of the deal.
"Our members are incensed. It’s totally unacceptable and leaves us no choice but to serve notice of strike action. We still have an active mandate for this, following our ballot at the end of July.
"What annoys me most is that the sick pay review wasn't a sticking point back when we signed the deal. Now all of a sudden they are moving the goalposts.
"It’s disappointing given that the review would help ensure people who are genuinely unwell are properly supported. If you are a tram driver or ticket sales assistant you can’t work from home if you get sick. We want to see a policy that supports people in their time of need.
"It’s baffling that they say the cost would be too high. They are adamant on that. Yet the company already pays for it because they don’t bring in employees to cover when people are off sick."
An Edinburgh Trams’ spokesman commented: “We are sincerely disappointed that Unite has decided on this course of action, having previously accepted a generous pay increase and enhancements to terms and conditions that were overwhelmingly accepted by colleagues.
“As promised, we have been in further consultation regarding the additional points for review, and we have made progress in all areas. However, the Union is now demanding further improvements to sick pay that are simply unaffordable for the network as it continues its recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Despite these unrealistic demands, we will continue to talk to the Union and colleagues with a view to reaching an amicable agreement that will avoid unnecessary disruption for our customers.”