Festive tram strike threat for capital

TRAM workers have voted to strike during Christmas and Hogmanay amid union claims of bullying by bosses.

Almost 70 per cent of Unite members who took part in the Edinburgh ballot – which had an 89 per cent turnout – favoured industrial action.

It comes after concerns were raised about a hostile management culture, including claims of victimisation and fears around job security.

Unite regional officer Lyn Turner said: ‘This result gives our members a resounding mandate for action.

‘We are in talks with management and are hopeful that we can come to a sensible agreement which fully addresses our members concerns and avoids the need to take action.’

He added that Unite ‘does not want to play Scrooge’, but that the industrial action could cover the ‘run-up’ to Christmas until the end of December.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Trams said: ‘We are continuing to engage in productive conversations with Unite to better understand their concerns.’