It has been announced that a strike is to commence on Monday 16th August on the South Yorkshire Supertram network – for an indefinite period. The decision to strike centres on a decision Supertram made to break off links with one trade union official who it was claimed acted against the democratic voting process.
The dispute arose after Stagecoach officials refused to deal with Unite’s Supertram branch secretary, Mick Fletcher causing members of the Union to say only they should decide who represented the Union. The row started during last October’s pay dispute. Members were due to vote on a pay deal when they asked the question whether bonus payments would still be made. Mr Fletcher posted a message on a noticeboard that there “was very little chance of bonus payments being made” – despite the fact this did reflect the content of the meetings. Senior Union officials removed the notice telling members to ignore it and that they would investigate the issue.
Following the dispute Supertram derecognised Mr Fletcher claiming the problems in October were just the latest in a long line of incidents involving him. However, Unite officials have now closed ranks around him calling a ballot for strike action. In a ballot less than 50% of Unite members voted in favour with 76 of 175 voting in favour and 42 against, but despite that figure the strike will go ahead.
A spokeswoman from Supertram said: “The majority of our employees did not vote for strike action and the people of Sheffield do not want to see completely unnecessary disruption to their tram services. It is extremely disappointing that the union seems determined to press ahead with strike action, which will also hit the pockets of many our employees' families. We followed the correct process for dealing with the issue, we consulted with Unite at every stage and it goes without saying that we continue to fully recognise the union. We are currently finalising our contingency plans for services in the event of a strike and will communicate the details to our customers shortly. However, we are hopeful that we will be able to run a significant tram service as well as replacement bus services providing transport where trams are not running. We would like to reassure customers that we will do everything we can to minimise the impact of any action. Our door remains open for the union to meet with us and we would urge Unite to put the people of Sheffield first and call off the strike."
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram & Sheffield Star