The GMB Union are set to ballot their members employed on Nottingham Express Transit over the potential for going on strike after a driver was suspended. The union claim that as the driver is a senior union rep Nottingham Trams Limited are victimising him for standing up for his colleagues.
A ballot will be sent out to union members from Monday 4th November with the union saying they are furious about the suspension alleging that it is simply down to his role as union rep.
Colin Whyatt, GMB Organiser, commented: “We’re seeing victimisation of trade union reps for doing nothing more than standing up for their member. Trams bosses can fabricate excuses until they’re blue in the face, but the truth is that they’ve taken action against a hard-working tram driver who stood up for their colleagues.”
As this remains a live case, tram operator Nottingham Trams Limited have not commented on the specifics of the case but Sarah Turner, Service Delivery and Safety Director, said: “We are extremely saddened and disappointed by this news, as we have always remained fully committed to fostering a constructive and positive relationship with the GMB. We remain committed to a continued and co-operative partnership with the GMB, and will be working with them in the hopes of reaching a resolution over the coming weeks.”
With the ballot opening on Monday 4th November, an outcome in favour of strikes would likely see industrial action taken in the run-up to Christmas.