Unite Scotland is to hold a strike ballot at Lothian Buses. If the ballot is successful, action is likely to take place in August during the Edinburgh Fal Festival – traditionally the capital’s busiest month. In a previous ballot in April, 94% of Unite members supported industrial action. The latest ballot opens on Thursday.
The union says the dispute stems from poor workplace relations and a hostile culture at Lothian Buses management where agreements have not been adhered to, impacting on members terms and conditions.
The company has unilaterally withdrawn facility time for the Union’s Branch Chair & Secretary.
Unite officer Lyn Turner: “Unite has tried repeatedly to engage Lothian Buses management to address issues. We entered into talks at ACAS to mutually agree a number of remedial measures.
“But, time and again, Lothian Buses have refused to engage, resulting in talks collapsing. Unite has not moved forward with a ballot despite being given a mandate by 94% of our members showing support for action in April.
“Lothian Buses have an opportunity to resolve this before the ballot, which we are confident will show overwhelmingly support strike action.
“If they do not, then Edinburgh will have to ask serious questions to why Lothian Buses seem hell-bent on industrial action during the month the Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival is on. This can only bring disruption to the city and there will only be one party to blame.”
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