Threat of strike action in Nottingham over pay for terminally ill staff

There could be more strikes on a UK tramway if GMB Union members vote to take action over the treatment of two terminally ill staff employed on Nottingham Express Transit with the union alleging that they could be given pay cuts. If union members vote to take action its expected that there will be strikes on every Saturday leading up to Christmas.

According to the union, Keolis (part of the consortium who run Nottingham Express Transit) have threatened to cut the pay of two staff members, Robert Currie and David Brown, who are battling life threatening conditions. Both have worked on the trams in Nottingham for many years and as well as the threat of serious illness they are now facing up to a large loss of earnings.

Keolis are a signatory to the “Dying to Work Charter” which sets out an agreed way to support, protect and guide employees throughout their employment after a terminal diagnosis. As part of this it seeks to provide adequate employment protection and have death in service benefits protected for any loved ones they leave behind.

However, GMB have said that Keolis have said they could withdraw from this agreement which would mean workers would no longer have the protection if they face a terminal illness.

Colin Whyatt, GMB Organiser, said: “This is a shocking lack of respect shown by company top brass to loyal and hardworking staff. Many years ago, GMB members were successful in delivering the ‘Dying to Work’ charter for Nottingham’s tram workers, which gives them protection in the face of terminal illness at work. For the company to turn around and threaten to pull out of this agreement, at a time of such uncertainty and hardship, speaks volumes about the companies approach to supporting vulnerable workers. Despite written agreements and public displays of support from the employer for the ‘Dying To Work’ charter, the current senior management team seem unwilling to act on the basic principle of support for workers facing terminal illness. GMB members are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues facing these hardships and will take the decision on the next steps in their campaign in the coming weeks.”

In response a spokesperson from NET said: “Although we are unable to comment on any individual cases, we have provided levels of support for employees that far exceed those set out in the TUC’s Dying to Work Charter.  Clearly, we are disappointed that the GMB Union has threatened to take unnecessary industrial action, but we will continue to work towards a resolution to what is a very sensitive issue and remain committed to the Charter.”