Strikes by around 80 Unite members at Leeds City Council Passenger Transport this week have been suspended after the employer came back with plans to tackle problems within the service. 

Workers involved in the dispute were due to walk out today (22 January) and tomorrow (23 January) as well as later this month. They include drivers who take service users such as children with learning difficulties to school as well as passenger assistants and office support staff.

They have already taken industrial action after cuts to the service such as a lack of proper equipment and missing risk assessments had led to workers and those who use the service being harmed. 

However, strikes have been halted after negotiations. Leeds City Council has agreed improvements with Unite, including providing risk assessments and training and hiring an interim head of service to provide additional support. 

Unite has given Leeds City Council until 2 February to implement these changes. If this does not happen, strike action will restart from 4 February.

Unite regional officer Chris Muscroft said: “Unite has suspended industrial action while the agreed plans are being put in place.

“This pause will give Leeds council the chance to deliver on its commitments. Unite will be monitoring the progress of this over the coming weeks.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

 Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org