Unite tram members finally relieved following improvements by employer

Unite can confirm today (Monday 21 October) that its Edinburgh Trams membership has won its dispute over rest periods and toilet breaks following negotiations with the company.

The dispute arose due to late running times at Edinburgh airport which prevented workers from taking comfort breaks, leading to the wider health concerns that not going to the toilet for long periods, can have on workers.

Unite represents drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers on the tram network.

Following a ballot, where workers overwhelmingly supported strike action, the company has now accepted Unite’s position and members will now get their agreed rest periods and comfort breaks. An increase in tram driver recruitment is now also expected in order to provide the level of service required to properly cover the route.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a dispute over basic dignity at work. While we are pleased that this dispute is settled, it should not have taken the threat of industrial action to result in a U-turn by Edinburgh Trams. Being treated with dignity and respect is a human right, not a benefit that employers can withdraw on a whim.”

“Unite backed its tram membership all the way in their fight for decency and dignity at work and won.”

Unite highlighted a shortfall of running times from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven which impacted upon the driving time before a scheduled break, leaving many tram workers going this length of time without hydration or toilet breaks. This is due to running late and having to make up the time.

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.” 

Notes to Editors:

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922. Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.