There is set to be disruption to bus services to and from the University of Hertfordshire, as almost 200 workers including drivers at Universitybus Limited are balloting for industrial action.

The dispute centres around union victimisation. In November, Unite's lead representative at the Hatfield depot, who had worked for the firm for over 15 years, was unfairly suspended, pending disciplinary investigation.

Workers at Universitybus, which trades as Uno, want the rep reinstated and believe they were targeted for trade union activity. This is illegal under UK employment law.

Meanwhile, there is a dispute with the company on behalf of members regarding the inconsistent and unfair way the company deal with disciplinary procedures, with junior staff believing they are treated more harshly by management than more senior workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is union victimisation, pure and simple. Unite will never stand by while our hardworking representatives are targeted in their workplaces and this dispute is no exception. Members at Universitybus have Unite’s full support."

The ballot is ongoing and closes on 14 April. Strikes could coincide with the busy exams period in late spring.

Any strike action will be extremely disruptive to University of Hertfordshire bus services as Universitybus takes students to and from the two campuses to several locations in the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire areas. The company also operates a number of TFL routes and provides some local school bus routes for collecting and dropping off children.

 Unite regional officer Steve Edwards said: "There is still time to avoid disruptive strike action, but it will take meaningful actions by the employer to resolve this dispute.

"Our reps remain willing to resolve the issues at UniversityBus, but the employer must also be willing to address these problems.” 

ENDS

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

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org