NET tram operating staff have been issued by ballot papers to vote for strike action by the GMB Union over the pay deal from April 2009. The Nottingham Tram Consortium (NTC) offered a pay freeze due to the current economic climate and this was rejected with the GMB demanding a 5% pay increase.
The NTC were asked to reconsider their position but they stated they were unable to do this until they had confirmation of their future income, which is directly linked to the May RPI figure, released on Tuesday 16th June. NTC receive an income from Arrow to operate and deliver the tram network, the income is reviewed annually and is linked to the May RPI figure which was negative -1.1%, meaning that the first time the annual income will fall, despite rising operating costs including electricity.
At a meeting at the end of May, the GMB stated that unless NTC made a new offer immediately they would ballot their members for strike action. NTC reiterated their position that no further offers could be made until the future revenue had been confirmed and requested a meeting in mid-June to resume the talks. However, the GMB said they would be unable to attend a meeting until the full time official returned from annual leave – so an agreement was made for a meeting on 10th July. Unfortunately before this meeting date was confirmed the GMB issued a ballot to staff on strike action.
Helen Goulding, General Manager of NTC, said: “I am extremely disappointed that the GMB are balloting for strike action before the negotiation process has finished. We have a Recognition Agreement in place which states, that in the event of a dispute no action will be taken until all the steps to avoid industrial action have been exhausted, we therefore feel this action is somewhat premature. NTC is committed to reaching a fair settlement and wishes to work with the GMB, arriving at an acceptable solution for both our staff and the needs of the company, we hope that the threat of industrial action will not overtake future pay talks.
Source: Nottingham Express Transit