The indefinite strike, which was due to be start tomorrow (Monday 16th August), on Stagecoach operated South Yorkshire Supertram was called off this week after the man at the centre of the issue called for it be cancelled as he did not want to inconvenience passengers and for his fellow members to lose money.
As you may remember in last weeks report the strike had been called after Stagecoach officials refused to deal with Unite Union rep, Mick Fletcher, as they claimed he did not meet the expected standards of a trade union representative.
Now the planned strike – which was for an indefinite period, and would likely to have badly affected the pay packets of those involved – has been cancelled. Phil Brown, Unite regional officer, said: “"It was down to the branch secretary concerned. He took a position that he does not believe the strike itself should take place. He doesn't want to put his colleagues in jeopardy losing jobs or revenue or losing money and put the travelling public of Sheffield and South Yorkshire at detriment, simply because of a dispute between the trade union and the company." It is reported in the Sheffield Star that the decision was only taken after Stagecoach wrote to all employees telling them they would be in breach of contract if taking part in the strike and would lose money.
A spokeswoman from Supertram said: “We are pleased that the union has seen sense and lifted its threat to disrupt our customers' tram services. There was little support for strike action among our employees and we now look forward to getting back to doing what we do best - running a high-quality tram service for the people of Sheffield."
Source: Sheffield Star & BBC News