FURY AS TRAM BOSS GETS 16% PAY HIKE
UNION leaders slammed the boss of Edinburgh trams after he was handed a rise on his £150,000 salary – amid a staff pay row.
Managing director Lea Harrison was given a 16 per cent increase which saw his salary rise from £150,000 to £175,000 for the year ending in April 2022. He was also given a £16,000 bonus.
Ticket sales assistants who earn just £20,000 a year, have rejected a pay offer of five per cent this year and four per cent in 2023.
Union leaders called the pay deal “appalling” at a time when it says some tram staff are forced to use food banks due to low pay.
Tram workers are being balloted on industrial action.
Council leader Cammy Day called the bonus “disappointing” and said it showed why the city’s transport firm must be reformed. Lyn Turner, of Unite, said: “It is appalling and very concerning to see Mr Harrison received a basic pay rise of 16 per cent, while we are in discussions over pay.”
Edinburgh Trams said: “Changes to remuneration packages are in line with contractual obligations.”