There should now be no strikes impacting Edinburgh Trams services in the near future after an agreement was reached between the company and union members represented by Unite. Although there had been no strikes called because of the issue the threat had been hanging over the network since members voted in favour of industrial action over the lack of suitable rest periods since the Newhaven extension opened.
Unite the Union had alleged that the timetable which was in operation was causing major delays to the service which meant drivers and on-board ticketing assistants were unable to take toilet breaks. This was compounded by some trams having to turn short of their destination meaning staff were, well, caught short leading to health problems in some cases.
But now it has been announced that Edinburgh Trams have agreed to some changes which means that the threat of strikes has receded.
Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer, said: “Edinburgh’s tram workers were forced to threaten industrial action following legitimate concerns around rest and comfort breaks, which angered our members. Appropriate running times should have been negotiated prior to the Newhaven line being opened. “Unite is pleased that the dispute is over, but anyone with an ounce of basic decency knows it should not have come to this in the first place.”
A spokesman from Edinburgh Trams said: “Throughout this dispute we have been fully committed to the wellbeing of colleagues and worked closely with them to address their concerns and find a mutually acceptable solution. We are pleased this has now been achieved.”