There could be strikes on Edinburgh Trams by the end of August after Unite the Union members voted in favour of industrial action. This dispute relates to health concerns caused by the lack of time available for toilet breaks as a result of a new timetable and extended running times.
Unite represent over 160 staff at Edinburgh Trams (including drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers) and according to the press release 90% have backed the prospect of strike action over this issue. They are demanding management at Edinburgh Trams swiftly deal with the issue or they will call strikes until it is resolved.
According to the union there is a shortfall of between 5 and 6 minutes in the running time allowed for trams to run between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven. Each round trip takes on average two hours to complete and the maximum length of time before a scheduled break for drivers is five hours; some workers have to go this length of time without hydration or toilet breaks.
The lack of time for breaks has come about because trams are often running late with much of the blame put on the traffic light phasing along Leith Walk which it is claimed does not give satisfactory priority for trams to continue their progress along the line. Some trams are claimed to be running late by up to 30 minutes which has led to them being turned short which exacerbates the situation as there is no chance for comfort breaks.
With breaks unable to be taken it is said that it is contributing to health issues among union members, including stress and infections.
Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer, said: “Edinburgh’s tram workers are being forced into taking strike action. This is mismanagement plain and simple, and it is having unacceptable consequences for our members. Unite wants to resolve this through negotiation but we are running out of track before strike action takes place. If this happens, then Edinburgh Trams will be solely to blame for any disruption. Management has one more chance.”
When the ballot was originally called a spokesperson for Edinburgh Trams had said: “We are surprised the union is taking this course of action as it has been closely involved in our talks with the Trams to Newhaven project team on the efficiency of traffic signals that sometimes cause delays. However, we remain committed to ongoing discussions between all parties, with the aim of addressing their concerns while improving services for customers.”