Friday’s bus strike has been suspended following further talks between Lothian Buses and trade union Unite. News of the resolution will come as a huge relief to both commuters and Festival organisers.
Lothian Buses said in a statement: “Positive talks with Unite have led to a deal being agreed between Lothian and union officials which will suspend Friday’s proposed strike action.
“Unite will now take forward the jointly agreed proposal to their members with a recommendation for acceptance.
“It is the hope of both parties that this agreement will be passed in order to avoid any industrial action.”
Unite the union confirmed that ‘following a series of intense negotiations involving the union, Lothian Buses and stakeholders the industrial action set from Friday has now been suspended’.
The union said Lothian Buses has brought forward additional proposals which will be put to Unite’s 1,700-strong membership over the next few days and voted on Friday 9 August.
Last Friday (26 July), Unite members rejected further proposals to address the dispute issues aimed at improving the workplace culture. These were considered insufficient. The dispute stems from poor workplace relations, and a bullying and hostile culture at Lothian Buses by management. Staff were subjected to unfair treatment and longstanding procedural agreements were regularly breached which directly affected the terms and conditions of Unite’s membership.
Unite regional industrial officer Mr Lyn Turner, said: “Unite can confirm that sufficient progress has been made in negotiations between the union, Lothian Buses and stakeholders to suspend the strike action set to begin on Friday.
“Additional proposals were tabled which we will now put to our members and a workplace ballot will take place on the 9 August. We are confident these latest proposals will give our members the assurances they require to positively address this long running issue.”
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