Bus driver Tracey loses job for ‘being too small’
UNION SAYS DEPOT’S FIRST FEMALE DRIVER WAS GIVEN HER NOTICE AFTER BEING OFFERED DIFFERENT ROLE ON LOWER PAY WHEN REPOSITIONED MIRRORS MEANT SHE COULDN’T REACH PEDALS WHILE USING THEM
A BUS driver has allegedly been sacked for being too short.
Tracey Scholes started her career more than three decades ago and was the only woman driver at the Queens Road depot and among the first to take on the role in Greater Manchester.
Trailblazer Tracey has remained at the depot for decades, initially with First bus and then with Go North West, when it took over in 2019.
She has also inspired other female drivers to join the ranks. So last month, when Tracey was given her notice, it was a devastating blow.
The reason, claims Unite the union, is that since the operator has repositioned its wing mirrors, 5ft Tracey is too short to use them at the same time as reaching the pedals.
Last month, Unite claims, bosses ruled Tracey no longer had the “capability” to safely drive their buses and offered her an alternative role at the company, but for less hours and pay.
Tracey declined and was given 12 weeks’ notice, a decision she is appealing. Tracey, 57, from Heywood, said: “This is heartbreaking. I’m a widow with three children, a house and a mortgage and it’s nearly Christmas.
“I’ve never had to involve the union before. I’ve always gone to management myself with any issues and worked it through.”
Tracey says that the firm began replacing broken “branch” mirrors to the side of the windscreen with side mirrors, around two years ago. When Tracey tried to drive these, she’d have to lean around a pillar on the cab assault screen to see the mirror, meaning her feet lifted off the pedals. Tracey brought this to management’s attention, she says, and bosses assigned her routes driving single and double deckers with the old-style mirrors. However Tracey would increasingly arrive on shift to find the tricky wing mirrors. “It’s one of the most important pieces of equipment on the bus. You need it to turn a corner or pull into a bus stop.” said Tracey. “For years I could drive everything in the garage. But I was running out of buses I could drive.” She added: “I’m flabbergasted that they can just get rid of me after 34 years. “I love my job, I don’t want to lose it.” Tracey has been moved by the outpouring of support from her colleagues. “I work with such a great bunch of lads. They are lovely,” she said.
Her colleagues have started a petition which now has more than 1,700 signatures.
A Unite the union spokesman said: “Tracey is a hardworking, loved and a valued member of the NW /5/4 Branch and the Queens Road family who deserves to be commended for her years of service.
“However Go North West Ltd has dismissed her from employment because they changed the manufacturer specification on their fleet of buses resulting in five foot tall Tracey being physically unable to operate company vehicles safely.”
“Go North West Ltd have refused to consider proposals from Tracey and her Unite trade union reps to keep her in employment.
“This has resulted in her unfair dismissal from Go North West Ltd for capability to fulfil her role.”
A spokesman from Go North West said: “We are extremely proud of our team of drivers who continue to perform excellent work keeping the people of Manchester moving.
“Unfortunately, a situation has arisen where we have had to bring a driver’s employment to an end. This is a complex case, and the appeals process is ongoing.
“Therefore, we are unable to comment further at this stage”.
This is heartbreaking. I’m a widow with three children, a house and a mortgage and it’s nearly Christmas Tracey Scholes