Possible strikes on Edinburgh Trams – which would likely take place in the lead up to Christmas and the Hogmanay period – have moved a step forward with members of the Unite union voting overwhelmingly in favour of action in the ongoing dispute over the treatment of workers by management. Nearly 70% of those who voted (in a turnout of 89%) were in favour of striking.
Concerns have been expressed over recent months over how Edinburgh Trams management have dealt with staff issues with claims from the union that there is ongoing bullying and victimisation – a claim which has been strenuously denied by management. Talks have been taking place between the two parties in recent weeks but no resolution has yet been found although further talks are scheduled to take place before a final decision is made by the union on when to strike.
Lyn Turner from the union said: “This result gives our members a resounding mandate for action. We are currently in talks with management and are hopeful that we can come to a sensible agreement which fully addresses our members concerns and avoids the need to take action. Unite does not want to play Scrooge by interrupting Christmas travel for Edinburgh’s citizens, but we need management to recognise that our members have legitimate concerns that must be addressed. A hostile and aggressive management culture does not deliver a safe and productive workplace, nor does it indicate dignity and respect in its treatment of workers.”
A spokesman from Edinburgh Trams commented: “We are continuing to engage in productive conversations with Unite to better understand their concerns. We are very hopeful we will be able to resolve the dispute in the near future without the need for industrial action.”
No details have yet been released on possible strike dates.