Bus strike threat withdrawn as workers reinstated
FEARS of a bus strike hitting Huddersfield and other parts of West Yorkshire have been lifted.
Plans for thousands of bus workers to vote for strike action have been scrapped.
Last month, trade union Unite said around 3,500 Yorkshire-based First Group bus workers would be balloted for industrial action unless their employer made ‘a dramatic U-turn’ on its ‘anti-trade union’ stance.
The union issued the threat after two of its senior reps were dismissed by First West Yorkshire, and they called on First Group to give both of them their jobs back.
They also accused the bus operating company of allowing managers to create a ‘bullying culture’ and a ‘poisonous atmosphere.’
However, the industrial action plans were scrapped after both of the reps successfully appealed against their dismissal.
Steve Clark, Unite regional co-ordinating officer, said: “We are pleased to confirm that the two Unite senior reps at First West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire have now been reinstated, following a successful appeals’ procedure.
“While the details of the case remain confidential, the outcome decision has been accepted by both reps and the union.
“Unite has now cancelled the planning for industrial action ballots at First West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.
“We wish to build on the solid foundations that we now have with the First Group management and enter into a constructive dialogue to create a new era of employment relations going forward.” A First Group spokeswoman said: “We are now in a position to confirm that the internal appeals process has concluded and while the details of the case remain confidential, the outcome decision has been accepted by both employees and their trade union, Unite.
“We have a good relationship with Unite and we will continue to work closely with them.”
The outcome decision has been accepted by both employees and
Unite.