Zarah ChoudharyOn Monday 21st October, Edinburgh Trams staff won a 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 wider health concerns.
Trade union 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 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.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, 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.”
Lyn Turner, industrial officer at Unite, 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.”
An Edinburgh Trams spokesman 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.”
