Nottingham Tram Workers Threaten Strike After Driver’s Suspension

Employees on Nottingham’s tram network are considering industrial action following a union’s announcement of a driver’s suspension. The GMB trade union stated it was “furious” and plans to initiate a ballot among more than 200 staff members on Monday. Nottingham Trams Limited (NTL) expressed that it was “extremely saddened and disappointed” by the situation and conveyed its “hopeful” expectation that industrial action could be averted. This dispute emerges weeks after a potential strike was narrowly prevented the day before Nottingham’s annual Goose Fair. The GMB has not publicly identified the suspended employee, describing them as “a senior union rep,” while NTL indicated it would not comment on the union’s claims “as this is a live case.” Colin Whyatt, a GMB organiser, remarked that the current disagreement follows “a summer of discontent” on the trams, adding that strike action “is the last thing Nottingham needs this Christmas.” He asserted, “We’re seeing victimisation of trade union reps for doing nothing more than standing up for their member.” Whyatt continued, “Trams bosses can fabricate excuses until they’re blue in the face, but the truth is that they’ve taken action against a hard-working tram driver who stood up for their colleagues.” Sarah Turner, NTL’s service delivery and safety director, confirmed that the company had received the GMB’s notification of its intention to ballot for strike action. Referencing the “positive resolution” of recent pay negotiations, she stated that the concerns articulated by the union “do not align with the work we’ve been doing together over the past year.” She added, “We are extremely saddened and disappointed by [the ballot notification], as we have always remained fully committed to fostering a constructive and positive relationship with the GMB.” NTL’s director concluded, “We remain committed to a continued and co-operative partnership with the GMB, and will be working with them in the hopes of reaching a resolution over the coming weeks.”