Tram strikes in Nottingham ‘still likely’ in run up to Christmas

GMB members have won a commitment from tram bosses to remain in the Dying to Work Charter, but the fight to protect two terminally ill colleagues goes on.

GMB members working on Nottingham Trams have welcomed the news that Keolis, the company responsible for Nottingham Trams, have agreed to re-commit to remaining a signatory to the Dying To Work Charter.

The union has been campaigning to stop Keolis withdrawing from the Charter, which protects Nottingham Tram workers when they face terminal illness in their lives.

The campaign came on the back of moves from company management to remove the company from the charter, over a dispute over the unfair reduction in pay of two terminally ill Nottingham tram workers.

- Advertisement -

However, GMB members have made it clear they intend to continue with their balloting for industrial action, in defence of two colleagues who still face unacceptable loss of wages due to a terminal illness.

The ballot ends on 14 November and could see tram disruption in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Colin Whyatt, GMB Organiser, said:

 “This is a first step in protecting our colleagues facing terminal illness.

“Our members fought for an worn the Dying To Work protections at Nottingham Trams, and it is fantastic that the threat of industrial action has forced the employer to re-commit to guarantee these protections.

“However, the fight for our two terminally ill colleagues goes on.

“These are Nottingham tram workers facing threats of income less due to their terminal illness, it’s one thing for Keolis to re-commit to Dying To Work but another to see them actually act on the principles and protections it brings.

“Our ballot remains open until 14 November and Nottingham tram workers themselves will decide, nothing is off the table and our members are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with terminally ill colleagues.”

A NET spokes​person said: “Although we are unable to comment on any individual cases, we have provided levels of support for employees that far exceed those set out in the TUC’s Dying to Work Charter.

“Clearly, we are disappointed that the GMB Union has threatened to take unnecessary industrial action, but we will continue to work towards a resolution to what is a very sensitive issue and remain committed to the Charter.”