Tram services in the lead up to Christmas in Nottingham look set to run as normal following news that the GMB Union have voted to suspend planned industrial action. The action had initially been planned after a Union rep was suspended.
At the time when the staff member was suspended, the GMB Union claimed that it was as a result of their part in previous strike action (over the pay deal in October) whilst Nottingham Trams Limited were unable to comment due to the ongoing process.
But now the Union rep has returned to work and GMB have agreed to suspend the planned action to allow for further talks to take place between the two parties.
Sarah Turner, Service Delivery and Safety Director at Nottingham Trams Limited, said: “As part of our discussions, we have agreed some key activities and next steps that will improve our working relationship with the GMB, who have notified us that the industrial action will be suspended whilst this work is under way. These are promising next steps towards working more constructively and collaboratively, something we look forward to building on over the coming months.”
Colin Whyatt, GMB organiser, commented: “GMB reps works hard, day in and day out, to make sure Nottingham has a world class tram network. We’re delighted that company bosses have seen sense and got our representative back where they belong – at work”.