Union accuses bus company of ‘dirty tricks’

Xplore Dundee bosses are facing accusations of employing underhanded tactics to deter a strike among their workforce. The company has referenced the closures of prominent local employers in an alleged attempt to dissuade staff from participating in the planned strike, which may extend until September. Approximately 200 employees are expected to walk out, resulting in a reduction in services. The deadlock between union officials and company management stems from a dispute over a 7% pay offer, a proposal that has been largely rejected by the employees. Dougie Maguire, regional officer for trade union Unite, told The Courier: “They have started a campaign of anti-trade union activity in the workplace. “They have been up to all sorts of dirty tricks. “They’ve been putting up pictures of Timex, NCR and Michelin with the question ‘where are they now, and why?’ trying to suggest that it was the trade unions that shut these places down.” Timex, a company embroiled in numerous industrial conflicts in the 1980s and 1990s, eventually shut down after 47 years. Michelin’s Douglas factory closed its doors in 2020, while NCR’s workforce has significantly dwindled from its peak of 6,000 employees, despite its presence in the city for over 75 years. In response to the accusations, an Xplore Dundee spokesperson confirmed that the company had highlighted the history of closures as part of an intensive communication campaign aimed at staff. Mr Maguire expressed a desire to return to the negotiation table and secure an improved offer, criticising the company’s seeming unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. He stressed the union’s commitment to reaching a negotiated settlement without causing disruptions to the public. Concerns have arisen regarding the company’s potential plan to draft workers from other areas to maintain a skeleton service during the strike. The absence of bus services in Dundee would severely impact the city’s functioning. During the strike period beginning on June 12, Xplore buses will operate a Sunday service with additional morning journeys and reduced evening services. A statement from the company to its customers stated: “We are really sorry to the people of Dundee for this situation. “You have our commitment that we will work hard to minimise the impact of this strike action – and we thank you for bearing with us.” Specific timetable information is still to be released.

STRIKE: Xplore Dundee bosses have reminded staff of previous industrial disputes.